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

Juzno Tesore, a writer for the Argentina publication Clarin, joined other journalists from his nation in spending some of their downtime at a Royals game when our paths crossed. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

On the floor, that's usually triaging downtime alerts or chasing quality-hold paperwork—high-frequency, forgiving if the agent gets one wrong. — Sanjay Brahmawar, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

As these aircraft continue to age, improving maintenance efficiency has become increasingly important for sustaining operational readiness without extending aircraft downtime. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026

Having said this, downtime in this Cambodian tourist town is no mean thing; the old market is easily reachable, and a great way to see true Khmer life play out. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 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