downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 

downsized; downsizing; downsizes

transitive verb

1

: to reduce in size

especially : to design or produce in smaller size

2

: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business

intransitive verb

: to undergo a reduction in size

Synonyms of downsize

• reduce
• decrease

Examples of downsize in a Sentence

They have downsized the car's engine in the new model.

The company is planning to downsize next year.

The company will be downsized next year.

Recent Examples on the Web

O’Neill push the narrative that BP’s downsizing and simplifying efforts won’t slow down in the absence of Manifold, who was previously brought on to help enact internal changes. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 June 2026

Williamson Road Townhomes would have been geared to people looking to downsize but who still wanted to live in Mooresville at the lake, Gallagher said. —Joe Marusak june 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

But the workers who survive downsizing efforts aren’t looking at a future full of perks. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 4 June 2026

The deal enabled Netgear to downsize its operations at a building that totals 89,400 square feet. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for downsize

• advise
• applies
• apprise
• arise
• assize
• baptize
• belies
• bitwise
• capsize
• chastise
• chordwise
• clockwise

Kids Definition

downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 

: to reduce in size

the company downsized its staff to cut costs