downsize

This page is about the doublespeak term downsize

Meaning

to reduce staff numbers by firing people

For example

  • Our boss said we were good workers, but they were downsizing so they had to fire us.

  • The school said they had to fire some teachers because budget cuts forced them to downsize.

Quick Quiz

If your workplace is "downsizing", you might have to

a. use a smaller office

b. accept a pay cut

c. find a new job
a) use a smaller office b) accept a pay cut c) find a new job

Contributor: Matt Errey