A "shutdown" refers to a temporary closure or suspension of operations, often used in the context of government services or businesses. In the case of a government shutdown, it occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation, leading to the halt of non-essential services and the furlough of federal employees. Shutdowns can also happen in the corporate world, where a company may pause operations due to financial difficulties, maintenance, or other strategic reasons. During a shutdown, employees may be laid off or reassigned, and customers may experience delays in service or product availability.