Advertisement

downshift

[ doun-shift ]

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.
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of downshift1

First recorded in 1950–55; down 1 + shift
Discover More

Example Sentences

With fewer gears, these downshifts can be jarring in other vehicles.

On schools: keep innovating, increase accountability, but downshift the emphasis on test scores.

Howard Kurtz on the downshift—and how Cain is defying political gravity.

And this downshift in career ambitions is just as true for the top dogs among us.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


downscaledownshifting