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

While costs from downtime, breakdowns, or inefficiency may seem invisible, their impact is enormous. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

The company provides technology and guidance designed to help facilities identify, mitigate, and prevent electrical disturbances that contribute to equipment disruption and avoidable downtime. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

The two bonded on set by playing Super Mario Kart in their downtime. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025

The downtime happened to coincide with Ronnie Wood’s 50th anniversary as an official Stone. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 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