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

In that case, another major life change may be needed—downsizing. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

The ocean’s abundance had been dramatically diminished, but few recreational fishermen noticed; their expectations had been downsized, too. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Backers downsizing the Utah monuments said the protective boundaries stretched too far and hindered mining for critical minerals. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

The Pathfinder is one of the few models in the midsize three-row SUV segment to stick to a V6 powertrain instead of downsizing to a four-cylinder setup. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 10 July 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