downsize
/ˈdaʊnsaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdaʊnsaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdau̇n-ˌsīz/ (ame, mw)
downsize — 動詞
- 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
裁員縮編
裁掉員工來縮小公司規模
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.
業績下滑後，這家航空公司縮編了兩個辦公室，並裁掉五十個職位。
downsize a business unit and remove jobs
The furniture chain downsized last winter after rent rose in every mall.
這家家具連鎖店在去年冬天房租全面上漲後進行了裁員縮編。
intransitive business use
Saira worried that the hospital would downsize the night team in July.
Saira 擔心醫院會在七月縮編夜班團隊。
When orders dried up, the factory downsized and closed its second warehouse.
訂單一減少，那間工廠就裁員縮編，還關掉了第二座倉庫。
- 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
換小房
搬到較小、較省事的住處
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.
雙胞胎去讀大學後，Abigail 就換到一間較小的連棟屋。
downsize to + smaller home
Leo wants to downsize before retirement and move closer to the train line.
Leo 想在退休前換小房，搬到離火車站近一點的地方。
The Chens downsized from a four-bedroom house to a city apartment.
陳家從四房透天搬到市區公寓，算是換小房了。
Because the stairs were hard to climb, Roya downsized to a ground-floor apartment.
因為樓梯太難爬，Roya 換到一間一樓公寓。
- 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
縮小
把東西、計畫或活動改小
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.
Kemi 把海報縮小，好讓它能塞進一頁裡。
downsize an item to fit a space
The design team downsized the logo for phone screens and watch displays.
設計團隊為了手機螢幕和手錶顯示，把商標縮小了。
downsize for a smaller format
To cut shipping costs, the company downsized the box and used less plastic.
為了降低運費，公司把箱子縮小，並且少用了塑膠。
Once the grant was delayed, the festival downsized to a one-day event.
補助款延後後，這個影展縮小成只辦一天的活動。
- 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.