downsize

[ doun-sahyz ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz /

verb (used with object), down·sized, down·siz·ing.

to design or manufacture a smaller version or type of: The automotive industry downsized its cars for improved fuel economy.
to reduce in number; cut back.

adjective

Also down·sized. being of a smaller size or version: a downsize car.

Origin of downsize

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; down1 + size1

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH downsize

downsize fire lay off rightsize terminate

Example sentences from the Web for downsize

British Dictionary definitions for downsize

downsize
/ (ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz) /

verb -sizes, -sizing or -sized (tr)

to reduce the operating costs of a company by reducing the number of people it employs
to reduce the size of or produce a smaller version of (something)
to upgrade (a computer system) by replacing a mainframe or minicomputer with a network of microcomputers Compare rightsize

Cultural definitions for downsize

downsize

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.”

notes for downsize

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.