downsizing

American  

[doun-sahy-zing] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of reducing the number of something, such as employees or participants, usually as a cost-cutting measure.

   The company’s downsizing eliminated approximately 39% of all executive positions.

2. the act or process of replacing something larger with something smaller, such as moving into a smaller house.

   With the housing market in shambles, it would be difficult to sell our house, so downsizing is not really an option right now.

---

Etymology

Origin of downsizing

downsiz(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"For a media house that has spent years downsizing and restructuring, that promise of capital and intent carries real weight," Keith Mwau, an economist, told the BBC.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

An internal document in November listed Beyda as leading five of 16 new strategic initiatives, including updating the CDC’s agencywide response to outbreaks and crises, downsizing animal research and enhancing surveillance of novel pathogens.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

For others, downsizing or renting could offer greater flexibility and lower ongoing expenses.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

Vinh says some firms are folding and others downsizing or pivoting because of both the "prolonged downturn and an unclear legal framework".

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

He tried not to breathe too deeply as he cleaned, wary of dangers floating in the air, until his manager told him he was being fired because of a downsizing.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie