downsizing

American  

[doun-sahy-zing] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of reducing the number of something, such as employees or participants, usually as a cost-cutting measure.

   The company’s downsizing eliminated approximately 39% of all executive positions.

2. the act or process of replacing something larger with something smaller, such as moving into a smaller house.

   With the housing market in shambles, it would be difficult to sell our house, so downsizing is not really an option right now.

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Etymology

Origin of downsizing

downsiz(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Citing AI when downsizing can make a company seem ahead of the curve and boost its stock value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

For others, downsizing or renting could offer greater flexibility and lower ongoing expenses.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

Vinh says some firms are folding and others downsizing or pivoting because of both the "prolonged downturn and an unclear legal framework".

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

The job cuts and restructuring add to the workforce reductions that started last October, when the firm announced its first major downsizing in a decade.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

“Times are much, much harder with all the downsizing, but we’re still a wonderful country.”

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times