downsize
/ˈdaʊnsaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdaʊnsaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz/ (ame, mw)
downsize — verb
- downsizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- downsizeshe / she / it
- downsizedpast simple
- downsizing-ing form
1. to cut the number of employees in a business so the whole operation shrinks, or
to cut the number of employees in a business so the whole operation shrinks, or for the business itself to shrink after staff numbers are cut.
After sales fell, the airline downsized two offices and cut fifty jobs.
downsize a business unit and remove jobs
The furniture chain downsized last winter after rent rose in every mall.
intransitive business use
Saira worried that the hospital would downsize the night team in July.
When orders dried up, the factory downsized and closed its second warehouse.
- lay off
focuses on workers losing jobs, not the whole company becoming smaller
- cut back
broader and can refer to spending, time, or activity, not only staffing
- streamline
often suggests making work more efficient as well as reducing size
文法句型
downsize + workforce/team/operations
company/business + downsize
用法筆記
Often used in business reports as a softer way to describe job cuts. The subject is usually a company, department, or employer rather than one worker.
常見錯誤
2. to leave your current home and start living in a smaller one, often because it c
to leave your current home and start living in a smaller one, often because it costs less or is easier to manage.
After the twins left for college, Abigail downsized to a townhouse.
downsize to + smaller home
Leo wants to downsize before retirement and move closer to the train line.
The Chens downsized from a four-bedroom house to a city apartment.
Because the stairs were hard to climb, Roya downsized to a ground-floor apartment.
- move to a smaller place
plain descriptive phrase with no special tone
- trade down
stresses choosing something cheaper or less grand
- scale down
broader and can apply to lifestyle or spending, not only housing
文法句型
downsize + to + smaller home
downsize + from + larger home + to + smaller home
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'to' or 'from ... to ...' when you say what kind of home someone chooses next. This sense is about housing, not business cuts or reducing one object.
常見錯誤
3. to make something take up less space or exist in a smaller amount, or to become
to make something take up less space or exist in a smaller amount, or to become smaller in that more general way.
Kemi downsized the poster so it would fit on one page.
downsize an item to fit a space
The design team downsized the logo for phone screens and watch displays.
downsize for a smaller format
To cut shipping costs, the company downsized the box and used less plastic.
Once the grant was delayed, the festival downsized to a one-day event.
- shrink
common general verb for becoming or making something smaller
- reduce
more neutral and can refer to amount, size, or level
- scale down
often used for plans, projects, or events rather than physical objects
文法句型
downsize + object/plan/event
downsize + to + smaller version
plan/event + downsize
用法筆記
Often used for objects, events, or plans that are being made smaller. Unlike sense 1, it does not specifically suggest cutting jobs or shrinking a workforce.