slowdown

noun

slow·​down ˈslō-ˌdau̇n 

: a slowing down

a business slowdown

Synonyms of slowdown

• decline
• deceleration
• slump
• drop
• retardation

Examples of slowdown in a Sentence

The business had a slowdown after the holidays.

disease experts are encouraged by the recent slowdown in the spread of the virus

Recent Examples on the Web

The Shanghai launch for Les Journées Particulières plays a part in Louis Vuitton’s China revival story after a sharp slowdown in demand in the region. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

For some sellers, though, the slowdown has pushed them to change strategy. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Investors are betting on an enormous buildout, and data center moratoriums or other slowdowns could hurt forecasts for returns on investments. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Growing services business provides steady revenue and a cushion against a slowdown in AI spending. — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for slowdown

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown

Kids Definition

slowdown

noun

slow·​down ˈslō-ˌdau̇n 

: a slowing down

Legal Definition

slowdown

noun

slow·​down ˈslō-ˌdau̇n 

: a slowing down of business operations by employees