downshift

American  

[doun-shift] / ˈdaʊnˌʃɪft /

verb (used without object)

1. to shift an automotive transmission or vehicle into a lower gear.

2. to become less active; slow down.

   The economy seems to be downshifting.

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verb (used with object)

1. to shift (an automotive transmission or vehicle) into a lower gear.

noun

1. an act or instance of downshifting.

Etymology

Origin of downshift

First recorded in 1950–55; down ¹ + shift

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

downshift

“We don’t see many signs that would get us worried about a downshift in momentum,” said Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist at JPMorgan Chase.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026

The downshift is based on both the past nine months of results and current market conditions, D.R.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

Time to downshift to the more leisurely part of your evening—and maybe even to the start of your holiday weekend.

From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2026

Tighter financial conditions and energy costs are projected to cause a 100 basis point economic downshift, which is seen as necessary to lower long-term inflation.

From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 2026

I tried to downshift, and the car made this horrible grinding sound, but somehow I recovered and before long we were coasting into the drive-thru lane.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez