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

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

But since 2019, Nippon has been downsizing due to market structure and competition, the manufacturer said in a news release Monday. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

The real estate website also reported that the family is now spending more time at their Kenya home and has decided to downsize. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

These layoffs are a part of a bigger effort to downsize Microsoft. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 6 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