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

That gives the park nine days of downtime before the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival launches on March 4. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026

All families, kids included, need downtime and rest—constant productivity isn't healthy. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Feb. 2026

While deep plane facelifts sweep Hollywood, there’s also a boom in non- and minimally-invasive treatments promising tighter, younger looking skin, sharper contours and a revitalized appearance, without the downtime required after going under the knife. —Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026

This new series for A Peace of My mind began during what Noltner thought would be downtime in his hometown. —Derek James, CBS News, 11 Feb. 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