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

Operators can optimize their O&M strategies, reduce downtime and minimize operational costs by leveraging data, predictive models and machine learning. —Joern Hackbarth, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

This shared downtime likely helps build those strong companionship bonds. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Burlington would give manufacturers big orders in what would normally be downtime at their factories. —David Moin, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

Since the Chiefs lost to the Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl in February, Swift and Kelce have been laying low and enjoying downtime. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 12 May 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