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

But these policies don't protect people from a layoff due to other factors like if the company downsizes or closes operations. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

But the site had seen a series of downsizing moves over recent years, as the company struggled to keep up with its rivals as generative AI transformed the industry. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The Summit tiny house is designed for those who want to downsize but maintain a little more comfort, and features a spacious layout that's mostly arranged on a single floor. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

California wine has already been contending with declining demand and global oversupply issues, leading to downsizing, closures and disposal of tons of grapes. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 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