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

• 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

This allows for continuous charging while in motion, reducing downtime and potentially enabling smaller, lighter batteries. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

Jessica Alba is enjoying some downtime on the beach in Australia. —Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

How underparenting is similar to other parenting styles As with slow parenting, underparenting doesn’t stick to a rigid routine—there is space to change plans and make space in their schedule for downtime. —Alex Vance, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025

The downtime could extend into further weeks due to an aluminum shortage, those familiar with the situation have said. —Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025

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