downsizing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdaʊnˌsaɪzɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdaʊnˌsaɪzɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of reducing the number of employees or the size of a company, often to cut costs.
Example
The company announced a downsizing that would affect hundreds of workers.
Conversation
Have you heard about the company's downsizing plans?
Yeah, it's really unfortunate for a lot of people.
I hope it doesn’t affect my department too much.
Same here, but I guess we can only wait and see what happens.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reduction
contraction
diminution
Antonyms
expansion
growth
increase
verb
Definition
To reduce in size, number, or extent, often referring to a company reducing its workforce or operations.
Example
The company is downsizing to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Tense Forms
Past: downsized
Past Participle: downsized
Conversation
Have you heard about the company downsizing its staff?
Yeah, I read an article about it yesterday. It’s such a tough situation.
I wonder how many people will be affected by the downsizing.
Root Explanation
Downsizing → It is formed from "down" (from Old English "dūn", meaning a hill or slope) and "sizing" (from "size", which comes from Old French "sise", meaning to set or establish). The word refers to the act of reducing the size or scale of something, often in a business context.
Memory Tip
Think of 'down' as reducing or lowering something, and 'sizing' as determining its scale — downsizing means making something smaller.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.