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

The couple had already downsized from a two-bedroom apartment to a one-bedroom unit to cut down on their housing expenses. —Cheyenne Devon,zachary Green, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024

Likewise, Medicaid will in all likelihood face budgetary cutbacks and efforts to erect barriers to eligibility that could downsize the program. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

While sorely underrepresented in the field overall, women are disproportionately affected during industry’s downsizing. —Coleen M. Carrigan, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024

Musk, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead a commission aimed at downsizing the federal government, the DOGE, may seek to reduce funding for rural broadband in a move that could benefit Starlink, according to reports. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 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