downsize

verb

down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
downsized; downsizing; downsizes
Synonyms of downsizenext

transitive verb

1
: to reduce in size
especially : to design or produce in smaller size
2
: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business

intransitive verb

: to undergo a reduction in size

Examples of downsize in a Sentence

They have downsized the car's engine in the new model. The company is planning to downsize next year. The company will be downsized next year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Designer and licensed residential contractor Judy Riddell believes downsizing can also be quite freeing for homeowners. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026 Timex moved out last spring, downsizing from the roughly 85,000-square-foot world headquarters to smaller space in Shelton. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026 Critics contend the industry plunders distressed companies, leading to downsizing and cost-cutting that hurts local communities, though other research has pushed back on that reputation. Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026 This year, my wife and I decided to downsize from two cars and purchase a new-to-us used Subaru (of course) for our growing family. Erica Zazo, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downsize

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downsize was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downsize. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

downsize

verb
down·​size ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz How to pronounce downsize (audio)
: to reduce in size
the company downsized its staff to cut costs

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