downsize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   reduce in size or number

   the company downsized its research staff

2. 2
   verb

   make in a smaller size

   the car makers downsized the SUVs when fuel became very expensive

3. 3
   verb

   dismiss from work

   three secretaries were downsized during the financial crisis

4. 4
   verb

   To reduce in size or number.

   Joe and Edna moved to a bungalow after deciding to downsize when the children had left home.

5. 5
   verb

   To reduce the workforce of.

   They downsized the division by offering attractive early-retirement packages and selling off an office building.

6. 6
   verb

   To terminate the employment of.

   Joe got downsized and became a plumber.

Etymology

From down- + size.