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

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

The global downshift in fertility rates has many causes, demographers say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

UCLA’s basketball team might downshift its lineup in an attempt to hasten success.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2025

The first two episodes set a speed that the middle hours downshift to the show's detriment.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2024

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