downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 

downsized; downsizing; downsizes

transitive verb

1

: to reduce in size

especially : to design or produce in smaller size

2

: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business

intransitive verb

: to undergo a reduction in size

Synonyms

• abate
• de-escalate
• decrease
• dent
• deplete
• diminish
• downscale
• drop
• dwindle
• ease
• knock down
• lessen
• lower
• reduce

Examples of downsize in a Sentence

They have downsized the car's engine in the new model.

The company is planning to downsize next year.

The company will be downsized next year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of its rivals followed suit including Paramount Global which took this approach in order to downsize its Showtime platform. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

And the Holiday Bowl, which downsized this season to San Diego State’s Snapdragon Stadium, drew the smallest crowd (23,920) in the bowl’s 46-year history for a Syracuse-Washington State matchup. —Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

As Nvidia has reported revenue growth of at least 94% for the past six quarters, Intel has been forced into downsizing mode. —Ari Levy,kif Leswing, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024

In many cases, downsizing measures run into political opposition because governments push companies to preserve jobs. —Neal E. Boudette, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 

: to reduce in size

the company downsized its staff to cut costs