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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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Momentum for retailers has moderated in recent months, suggesting a downshift in consumer spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 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

Turn the corner, downshift and pedal harder, up the hill to Rachel’s house.

From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.