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

Automation cuts down the downtime between the mixing, extrusion, and spinning phases. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

One of the most important things for me while traveling is having a bit of downtime, whether that be ensuring a good night's sleep, relaxing for an hour or two in a plush hotel bed, or just sitting in a café on my own sipping a latte in silence. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

The team’s coaches and players agreed to use their downtime to relearn the team’s defensive principles and to implement effective counters, such as a zone defense. — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 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