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Downsize - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Downsize means to reduce the size or number of something, often referring to a company cutting jobs to lower costs. It can also apply to simplifying possessions or operations.

downsize

/ˈdaʊnˌsaɪz/ /ˈdaʊnsaɪz/

Definition:

To reduce the size or number of employees in a company to cut costs.

Synonyms:

reduce, cut back, streamline, shrink

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

expand, grow

Common Collocations:

downsize workforce, downsize operations, downsize staff

Derivatives:

downsizing, downsized

Usage Tips:

Use "downsize" when referring to reducing staff or operations in a business context for efficiency or cost-saving reasons.

Common Phrases:

downsize the company, forced to downsize, strategic downsizing

Etymology:

Originated in the 1970s from "down" (reduce) + "size," reflecting corporate cost-cutting trends.

Examples:

  • 1. The company plans to downsize its workforce next year.
  • 2. Many firms downsize during economic downturns to stay profitable.
  • 3. She lost her job when the factory decided to downsize.
  • 4. Downsizing often leads to lower morale among remaining employees.

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