downsize

[doun-sahyz]

verb (used with object)

downsized, downsizing 

1. to design or manufacture a smaller version or type of.

   The automotive industry downsized its cars for improved fuel economy.

2. to reduce in size or number; cut back.

   Many small businesses are forced to downsize their workforce during a slow economy.

3. to dismiss (an employee); lay off or fire.

   After I was downsized from my marketing position, I took to substitute teaching to make a little money.

verb (used without object)

1. to become smaller in size or number.

   The military is downsizing— reducing overseas deployments—and as a result is spending less on supplies.

2. to move into a smaller residence.

   Retirees are downsizing these days, giving up oversized and empty nests for apartments that are easier to care for.

adjective

1. Also downsized being of a smaller size or version.

   a downsize car.

downsize

/ ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to reduce the operating costs of a company by reducing the number of people it employs

2. to reduce the size of or produce a smaller version of (something)

3. to upgrade (a computer system) by replacing a mainframe or minicomputer with a network of microcomputers Compare rightsize

downsize

1. To reduce in number, especially personnel: “The company decided to downsize half the workers in the aircraft division.” It can also be used in reference to objects: “I decided to downsize my wardrobe and threw out all my old T-shirts.”

Downsize is a recent euphemism for “fire, lay off.” Company managers often use this term in an attempt to soften the blow of wide-scale layoffs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downsize¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; down ¹ + size ¹

Example Sentences

“It can provide an opportunity to downsize the scope and scale of government, which is something that we’ve always wanted to do,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. said on Fox News on Thursday.

From Salon

The Mets, Yankees and Rockies all moved into smaller stadiums; the Blue Jays downsized theirs.

From Los Angeles Times

As such, homeowners who might otherwise downsize are choosing to stay put, reducing the amount of housing available for purchase and driving up home prices.

From BBC

The AI company notified employees over email that it was planning to downsize its team of generalist AI tutors, according to messages viewed by the publication.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s symbolic of what’s happening — the downsizing of life and the handing over of control.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curtail 
• cut back 
• cut down 
• diminish 
• phase out 
• reduce 
• retrench 
• scale down 
• shrink 
• trim