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

After all, downsizing your liquids is one of the easiest ways to commit to carry-on life. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026

West Side Books, a staple of Denver’s Highland neighborhood for nearly 30 years, is downsizing. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

The total number of employees downsized out of a job in the wake of the merger now stands at 1,748, according to the online filing. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

For many homeowners, the cost of downsizing or relocating has grown too expensive. —Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 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