downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
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

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 Gradient and Midea, the two companies making the units in the pilot project at Woodside House, downsized it all into something that looks a bit like a window air conditioner but with a much lower profile. Associated Press, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 According to the Forum's report, MPS peaked with 178 buildings in 2008 and had downsized to 150 as of 2022. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Others are looking to downsize for retirement or sell their house while retaining a home base, often on relatives’ property. Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 These are sellers who may want to simple-size their life by downsizing or moving closer to family. Nick Boniakowski, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 Now that federal funding is shrinking, some states are downsizing programs and tightening eligibility while others are making paid caregiving permanent. Ted Alcorn Kaiti Sullivan, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 If a department is considering downsizing, what about taking the opportunity to reskill or retrain those workers to fill other more in-demand roles elsewhere in the organization? Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The leaders of not-for-profits that have sold facilities to for-profit operators cite a variety of reasons for exiting or downsizing. Harris Meyer, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 Household paper products and snacks are the most common items that manufacturers downsize, according to a bureau analysis that looked at changes between 2015 and 2021. Tami Luhby, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downsize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downsize was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near downsize

Cite this Entry

“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downsize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

downsize

verb
down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
: to reduce in size
the company downsized its staff to cut costs

More from Merriam-Webster on downsize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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