Definition

The practice of making an employer hire more workers than necessary or to restrict their production, often due to union rules or safety regulations.

Example

The company faced criticism for its featherbedding practices, which led to unnecessary hiring.

Conversation

Have you heard about the issues with featherbedding in some workplaces?

Yeah, it's frustrating when companies have to hire extra people for no reason.

I know! It just leads to inefficiency and higher costs for everyone.

Exactly, it makes it harder for businesses to thrive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Featherbedding is formed from "feather" (from Old English *fether*, meaning a light, soft structure that covers birds) and "bedding" (from Old English *beding*, meaning a bed or bedding material). The term refers to the practice of using feathers as bedding material, often implying excessive or unnecessary use in a figurative sense.

Memory Tip

Think of 'feathers' as soft coverings for birds, and 'bedding' as the material we sleep on. This helps you remember that 'featherbedding' refers to using feathers as a soft, comfortable bedding.

Visually Confused Words