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

Bringing tools that support that downtime — instead of defaulting to your phone — can deepen the experience. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026

Below, the Kelce matriarch tells AD about what life is like at home during her downtime. —Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 18 May 2026

Each eye tube can be removed using only four screws, greatly reducing downtime and minimizing the need for specialized tools. —David Szondy may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026

As Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys told Conde Nast Traveler, parents are increasingly the ones requesting screen-free trips on behalf of their kids — wanting children to experience meals, hikes and downtime without the pull of a device. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 May 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