downsize
verb
down·size
ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 
downsized; downsizing; downsizes
1
: to reduce in size
especially
: to design or produce in smaller size
2
: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business
: 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
Swenson was placed on administrative leave less than two weeks after granting The Courier Journal an extensive interview to discuss the university eliminating positions, downsizing its campuses and selling its only residence hall.
—
Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
At the same time, wages are rising, sales are declining, and many companies are being forced to downsize or consolidate.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
Employers who expect to downsize cite economic challenges, weaker demand, market shifts, and reorganizations as the top reasons for cuts, with automation and efficiency improvements playing a secondary role and affecting only certain roles or functions.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Delays can increase the chances that a project ultimately is downsized – as happened with ConocoPhillips’ Willow project in Alaska – or canceled altogether.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downsize
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Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
At the same time, wages are rising, sales are declining, and many companies are being forced to downsize or consolidate.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
Employers who expect to downsize cite economic challenges, weaker demand, market shifts, and reorganizations as the top reasons for cuts, with automation and efficiency improvements playing a secondary role and affecting only certain roles or functions.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Delays can increase the chances that a project ultimately is downsized – as happened with ConocoPhillips’ Willow project in Alaska – or canceled altogether.
—Skip York, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Cite this Entry
“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downsize. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downsize
verb
down·size
ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz
: to reduce in size
the company downsized its staff to cut costs
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