downsize

[ doun-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, down·sized, down·siz·ing.

1. to design or manufacture a smaller version or type of:

   The automotive industry downsized its cars for improved fuel economy.

2. to reduce in size or number; cut back:

   Many small businesses are forced to downsize their workforce during a slow economy.

3. to dismiss (an employee); lay off or fire:

   After I was downsized from my marketing position, I took to substitute teaching to make a little money.

verb (used without object)

1. to become smaller in size or number:

   The military is downsizing— reducing overseas deployments—and as a result is spending less on supplies.

2. to move into a smaller residence:

   Retirees are downsizing these days, giving up oversized and empty nests for apartments that are easier to care for.

adjective

1. Also downsized. being of a smaller size or version:

   a downsize car.

downsize

/ ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce the operating costs of a company by reducing the number of people it employs
2. to reduce the size of or produce a smaller version of (something)
3. to upgrade (a computer system) by replacing a mainframe or minicomputer with a network of microcomputers Compare rightsize

downsize

1. To reduce in number, especially personnel: “The company decided to downsize half the workers in the aircraft division.” It can also be used in reference to objects: “I decided to downsize my wardrobe and threw out all my old T-shirts.”

Notes

Downsize is a recent euphemism for “fire, lay off.” Company managers often use this term in an attempt to soften the blow of wide-scale layoffs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downsize¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; down ¹ + size ¹

Example Sentences

But if Vought is appointed and confirmed by the Senate, he will once again be working in an office that he has sought to drastically downsize.

From Salon

Trump downsized monuments in the West during his first term, and some conservative groups are calling on Congress to abolish the Antiquities Act, the 1906 law that allows presidents to designate national monuments.

From Los Angeles Times

Postal Service, the kind of downsizing that Mr. Ramaswamy outlined during his presidential bid — as many as 1.65 million layoffs — would have repercussions for the economy and communities across the country.

From New York Times

Trump downsized monuments in the West during his first term, and some want him to go further in his second — by abolishing the Antiquities Act altogether.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times — like virtually every other American newspaper — has been struggling to find a viable financial model, given the massive downsizing of print advertising.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curtail
• cut back
• cut down
• diminish
• phase out
• reduce
• retrench
• scale down
• shrink
• trim