downsizing
|down-siz-ing|
B2
/ˈdaʊnˌsaɪzɪŋ/
(downsize)
reduce size or scale
Etymology
Etymology Information
'downsizing' originates from the English word 'downsize,' where 'down-' meant 'reduce' and 'size' referred to 'extent or magnitude.'
Historical Evolution
'downsize' was first used in the 1980s as a business term to describe reducing the size of a company.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to reduce the size of something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reducing the number of employees in a company.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process of reducing the number of employees within a company to cut costs.
The company announced a downsizing to improve profitability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45