downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm How to pronounce downtime (audio)
Synonyms of downtimenext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With extra downtime during the pandemic, the Michigan resident researched and consulted a friend on how best to grow his spare cash saved from a part-time job in the market. Yun Li,kate Rooney,alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 This could, in turn, significantly reduce downtime, costs and energy losses. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026 But research on creativity and problem-solving consistently shows that unstructured downtime enhances cognitive performance. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 There is quite a lot of downtime. Sam Reed, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downtime

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtime was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Downtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtime. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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