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.

---

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

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

“The Jewelry Stores industry is in a clear downshift, even if the broader jewelry market still looks healthy on the surface,” IBISWorld, an industry research group, reported.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 3, 2026

Taken together, the energy shock and tighter conditions should equate to a roughly 100 basis point economic downshift.

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