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

Penny had seen ads for his company, which specializes in working with senior citizens overwhelmed by the downsizing process and the prospect of clearing out and fixing up their houses to sell. — Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2026

Consider money-changing moves like relocating to a more affordable city, downsizing or refinancing debt. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Ranchers have been downsizing their herd sizes over the last seven or eight years for a whole variety of reasons. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

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