Downsize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💼

Add to dictionary

downsize

[ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

business

To make a company or organization smaller by reducing the number of employees or branches. This is often done to save costs or improve efficiency.

Synonyms

cut back, downscale, reduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
downsize	Typically used in a business context when a company is reducing its workforce or organization size, often due to economic pressures. The company decided to downsize its operations to stay profitable. Many employees were laid off when the company downsized last year.
reduce	A more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate making something smaller in amount, size, or degree. She decided to reduce her sugar intake for better health. The factory aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 20%.
cut back	Commonly used to describe reducing consumption or expenses in both personal and professional contexts. We need to cut back on our spending to save money. The business had to cut back on its marketing budget.
downscale	Refers to reducing the size or scope of something, often used when talking about lifestyle changes, housing, or other personal decisions. After the kids moved out, they decided to downscale to a smaller house. The company is planning to downscale its product range.

Examples of usage

The company decided to downsize its workforce in order to remain profitable.
After the merger, the new management plans to downsize the company to streamline operations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business

The process of reducing the size of a company or organization by cutting costs, eliminating jobs, or closing branches.

Synonyms

cutback, reduction, restructuring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
downsize	Typically used in a business context when a company reduces the number of its employees to cut costs or improve efficiency. The company had to downsize due to a drop in sales. After the merger, many departments were downsized.
reduction	A general term used in various contexts, including decreasing the size, amount, or degree of something. There has been a reduction in crime rates this year. We need a reduction in our expenses to stay within budget.
cutback	Often used when talking about reductions in spending or services, sometimes in a broader sense than just reducing the workforce. The government announced cutbacks in public services. Due to budget restraints, the school had to implement cutbacks.
restructuring	Used in a business context involving significant changes in the organizational structure, often including downsizing but may also involve other forms of reorganization. The company went through restructuring to improve efficiency. Restructuring plans include the merging of departments.

Examples of usage

The downsizing of the company led to many employees losing their jobs.
They announced a downsizing of the department to improve profitability.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Business

Companies often downsize during economic downturns to remain profitable and efficient.
Downsizing can lead to culture shifts in workplaces, as remaining employees experience increased workload.
It may also involve layoffs, where companies let some employees go, impacting morale and future hiring.

Psychology

The process can create stress among employees remaining after layoffs, leading to what's known as 'survivor's guilt.'
Individuals in downsized companies often report feelings of uncertainty and job insecurity, affecting mental well-being.
Research shows that job loss due to downsizing can lead to long-term impacts on individuals’ self-esteem and perception of job security.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Office Space' and 'Horrible Bosses' address themes of downsizing, illustrating workplace frustrations.
Books have been written that analyze downsizing effects on corporate culture and individual lives, reflecting societal concerns.
Reality TV often shows extreme downsizing in home makeovers, where families declutter and simplify their living spaces.

Lifestyle

Many people choose to downsize their homes as they age, seeking smaller, more manageable living spaces.
Minimalism trends encourage downsizing possessions for a simpler, more purposeful life, promoting mental clarity.
Downsizing can also refer to financial decisions, where individuals reduce expenses by simplifying lifestyles and focusing on essentials.

Origin of 'downsize'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'down,' meaning to decrease, and 'size,' which refers to dimensions or quantity.
First recorded use appeared in the 1970s, as economic changes prompted businesses to reduce their workforce or scale.
It has roots in the word 'size' that comes from the French 'size' meaning 'a provision or measure.'

The term 'downsize' originated in the business world in the 1970s during a period of economic downturn. Companies began to use this term to refer to the process of reducing their workforce or operations in response to financial challenges. The practice became more common in the 1980s and 1990s as companies sought to become more efficient and competitive. Today, downsizing is a common strategy used by organizations to adapt to changing market conditions.