downsize

American  

[doun-sahyz] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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downsize Cultural  

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.”

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Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of downsize

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

Example Sentences

This sale is the latest effort to downsize WME.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Among the obstacles are whether manufacturers can keep prices low, make the vehicles safe enough and if big-car-loving Americans can be convinced to downsize.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

Sell the home next year and downsize to an apartment in a no-income-tax state.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Tasks once done by humans and requiring technical skill can now be automated, enabling these organizations to downsize, minimize risk and maximize profit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

My parents made it seem like they just wanted to downsize.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

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