Downscale: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about making something smaller in terms of quality, expense or scope, often in a business or economic context. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

• Due to budget cuts, the company decided to downscale its operations.
• They had to downscale their wedding plans because of financial constraints.

Used specifically for adjusting the dimensions (height, width, etc.) of something, commonly in graphic design, photography, or digital contexts.

• You can resize the image to fit your screen.
• We need to resize the ad banner for the website.

Used to describe something becoming smaller in size or amount, often naturally or because of an external force. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• The sweater shrank in the wash.
• The economic downturn caused the market to shrink.

Commonly used for lowering amounts, numbers, sizes, or intensities, often with a specific target. It is a very general term applicable to many contexts.

• The doctor advised him to reduce his sugar intake.
• We need to reduce our expenses to balance the budget.