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 of downtime

• winter
• break

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

Comfortable layers, loungewear, and easy shoes dominate the deals, including Nachila Men's Pajama Pants at 76 percent off—an underrated essential for flights, road trips, and downtime. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026

Flanigan cautions against the downsides of starting a major kitchen or primary bath overhaul in January due to long lead times, material delays, and significant downtime. —Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026

Summer vacation is generally viewed as a downtime. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026

For your downtime Going out The Times’ Jaclyn Cosgrove zoomed down California’s longest and fastest zip lines. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026

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