downtime

noun

down·​time ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 

1

: time during which production is stopped especially during setup for an operation or when making repairs

2

: inactive time (such as time between periods of work)

napping during our downtime

an injured athlete facing months of downtime

Synonyms of downtime

• winter
• break

Examples of downtime in a Sentence

After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home.

The kids napped during their downtime.

We need to minimize network downtime.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the apps have since come back online after companies scrambled to migrate servers, but the downtime of services that many use daily highlights how digital infrastructure has become a strategic target. —Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

During his on-call downtime as a firefighter for the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department, Brandan Jackson likes to stay active. —Dominick Williams march 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026

Fixing these issues early reduces downtime and costly problems. —Malana Vantyler march 6, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026

Tucked away somewhere in the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall behind some red curtains, Lincoln and Delta could be seen sitting next to their mom and dad while enjoying some downtime and watching the show on a TV. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downtime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime