: a reduction according to a fixed ratio
a scale-down of debts

Examples of scale-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The $5 billion scale-down falls more in line with other City Council and watchdog budget estimates. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026 Israel has in recent days begun to withdraw troops from northern Gaza, signaling a potential scale-down in operations. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024 Advertisement However, companies that are more scientific about adding talent—those employing a fractional to full-time model—will have fewer layoffs because much of their talent will be on demand with scale-up and scale-down capabilities. Anna Oakes, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scale-down was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Scale-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scale-down. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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