downtime

IPA/ˈdaʊntaɪm/
KK[dˈaʊntˌaɪm]IPA/ˈdaʊntaɪm/

downtime — noun

1. a period when a machine, computer service, or production line cannot run or be u

1.nounB2
Definition

a period when a machine, computer service, or production line cannot run or be used.

Example

At noon, the ticket app had thirty minutes of downtime after an update.

downtime after a system update

The factory planned weekend downtime to replace a broken belt safely.

planned downtime for repairs

Common collocations
  • planned downtime
  • server downtime
  • downtime after an update
  • downtime at the factory
Synonyms
  • outage

    often used for lost power, internet, or phone service

  • shutdown

    suggests a full or planned stop, often for safety or repair

  • interruption

    broader word for any break in service or activity

Antonyms
  • uptime

    time when a system is running normally

  • availability

    emphasizes that a service can be used

Grammar Patterns

[period] of downtime

downtime after [event]

Usage Note

Usually refers to equipment, websites, or production systems rather than to people resting. It is often discussed in minutes or hours of lost operating time.

Common Mistakes

The machine had many downtimes today.
The machine had a lot of downtime today.
this sense is usually uncountable when you mean lost operating time.

2. time between busy periods when a person can slow down, rest, or do very little.

2.nounB2
Definition

time between busy periods when a person can slow down, rest, or do very little.

Example

After exams, Rin enjoyed a little downtime at her aunt's tea shop.

enjoy a little downtime

The nurse uses bus rides home as downtime before seeing her children.

use [time] as downtime

Common collocations
  • some downtime
  • need downtime
  • downtime between classes
  • weekend downtime
Synonyms
  • break

    common everyday word for a short rest from work or study

  • rest

    focuses more directly on relaxing the body or mind

  • breathing space

    suggests a brief chance to recover during pressure

Antonyms
  • work time

    time spent doing duties instead of relaxing

Grammar Patterns

some downtime

downtime between [activities]

use [time] as downtime

Usage Note

Common in work and family talk for quiet gaps between demanding periods. It often suggests a short chance to recover, not a long holiday.

Common Mistakes

I need a downtime after this shift.
I need some downtime after this shift.
this sense is usually uncountable, so use it without 'a'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words all describe a break in normal operation, but they focus on different things. Downtime is the period when a machine, website, or production line cannot be used. Outage is especially common for power, internet, or phone services. Shutdown often suggests a full or planned stop, sometimes for safety or repairs. Interruption is broader and can describe a short break in service, work, or speech. Delay means something happens later than expected, so the system may still be working. A factory can schedule downtime for maintenance, while a storm might cause an outage. If a meeting starts late, that is usually a delay, not downtime.

downtime ↗outage ↗shutdowninterruption ↗delay ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • period of downtime

Prepositions

  • during (during downtime)

Etymology

English

Downtime is a modern English compound built from down, meaning not operating, and time. It first referred to periods when machines or production systems were shut off or unavailable, and later widened to include a person's quiet time away from work or pressure.