downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 

1

: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs

2

: inactive time (such as time between periods of work)

napping during our downtime

an injured athlete facing months of downtime

Synonyms

• layoff
• time-out
• winter

Examples of downtime in a Sentence

After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home.

The kids napped during their downtime.

We need to minimize network downtime.

Recent Examples on the Web

The knowledge from years of experience is key, not only in avoiding the mistakes that cause losses and downtime, but also in knowing how best to diagnose an off-normal event and respond accordingly. —Louis Gritzo, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

For your downtime Going out 🌵7 shops and restaurants that show why this off-the-radar desert town is a must-see beyond Coachella. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Graphic via The Athletic Worth Your Time Great business-adjacent reads for your downtime or commute: What is the story with Knicks owner James Dolan and his constantly combative posture with the league? —Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Learn about Southeast Alaska from experts Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures/Julie Quarry UnCruise Adventures enriches travelers with thoughtful discussions and downtime to reflect. —Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downtime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime