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

Earnings and commentary next week from several major retailers will provide more details on whether the consumer is going through a soft patch or a broader slowdown. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

But a material slowdown in its economy would send shock waves around the world, especially among China’s major trading partners, not only in the Asia Pacific but also in countries elsewhere whose economies have become intertwined with China’s. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

The pain at the pump has drawn close attention, but less focus has been paid to a slowdown in wage increases that has coincided with the surge in costs. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

If the luxury slowdown eventually reaches that group, however, the relationship between the primary and secondary markets could look very different. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 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