downtime

/ˈdaʊntaɪm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdaʊntaɪm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm/ (ame, mw)

downtime — noun

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • uptime

    time when a system is running normally

  • availability

    emphasizes that a service can be used

文法句型

[period] of downtime

downtime after [event]

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • work time

    time spent doing duties instead of relaxing

文法句型

some downtime

downtime between [activities]

use [time] as downtime

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

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