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View synonyms for

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

/ ˈ岹ʊˌɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.”

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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.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of downsize1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

Paramount is just one of several studios across Hollywood that are downsizing.

From

The economic crunch has meant that some companies have had to downsize to keep afloat in the face of rising operating costs, pushing young people like Mr Maxwell into an already saturated labour market.

From

California public school enrollment has declined for the seventh straight year and the number of students from low-income and homeless families has increased as many school districts throughout the state face financial pressures to downsize.

From

I think we need to be a little bit more precise in downsizing a department with a mission as critical as DOT’s.

From

For them, selling and downsizing makes the most practical sense.

From

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