Synonyms

downsizing

American

[doun-sahy-zing] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪ zɪŋ /

noun

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.
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.

Etymology

Origin of downsizing

downsiz(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

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.

An internal document in November listed Beyda as leading five of 16 new strategic initiatives, including updating the CDC’s agencywide response to outbreaks and crises, downsizing animal research and enhancing surveillance of novel pathogens.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even if some considered AI a convenient excuse for the layoffs, the downsizing sparked outrage among technology workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

The majority of their buyers are purchasing move-up homes or downsizing, he said.

From Barron's

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

From MarketWatch

He added that others are "downsizing and conserving capital to extend their runway".

From Barron's

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