downsize

verb

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

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.
The brothers are anticipating a range of tenants at The Olmsted Farmington, with a strong emphasis on young professionals drawn to the nearby UConn health science corridor as well as homeowners downsizing. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2025 As departments across the federal government in the Trump administration rapidly downsize their workforces, one office keeps getting bigger. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 These reductions align with broader policy changes under the Trump administration that emphasize downsizing certain government agencies. William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025 Sign up for the Morning Report newsletter In today’s issue: Trump revamps tariffs again VA downsizing sparks pushback House censures Democrat Green World leaders scramble for Ukraine peace The future of President Trump’s tariffs plan is back up in the air. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025 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 16 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on downsize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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