downsize
verb
down·size
ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz 
downsized; downsizing; downsizes
1
: to reduce in size
especially
: to design or produce in smaller size
2
: to fire (employees) for the purpose of downsizing a business
: to undergo a reduction in size
Examples of downsize in a Sentence
They have downsized the car's engine in the new model.
The company is planning to downsize next year.
The company will be downsized next year.
Recent Examples on the Web
For the past half-century, elements of the GOP in Washington have been trying to downsize or eliminate the department, a creation of the Jimmy Carter era.
—
Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Congress foolishly downsized that number in the 1980s and ’90s on the erroneous belief that more doctors would encourage unnecessary health care consumption.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Though hardcore downsizing types have certainly lived full-time in smaller homes than this, it's probably best suited as a vacation home or rental.
—New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026
The once-robust plan to build 158,000 square feet of commercial space, including 77,000 square feet of office space, has been downsized.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downsize
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Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Congress foolishly downsized that number in the 1980s and ’90s on the erroneous belief that more doctors would encourage unnecessary health care consumption.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Though hardcore downsizing types have certainly lived full-time in smaller homes than this, it's probably best suited as a vacation home or rental.
—New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026
The once-robust plan to build 158,000 square feet of commercial space, including 77,000 square feet of office space, has been downsized.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downsize
Cite this Entry
“Downsize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downsize. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downsize
verb
down·size
ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz
: to reduce in size
the company downsized its staff to cut costs
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