Synonyms of downtime

downtime

noun

ˈdau̇n-ˌtīm 

as in winter

a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness

a knee operation that could result in months of downtime for the ski racer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• winter
• break
• lull
• layoff
• time-out
• interruption
• pause
• recess
• suspension
• breath
• latency
• breather
• suspense
• abeyance
• dormancy
• quiescence
• doldrums

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of downtime

During the downtime the past two years, Slavens, who is in his 24th season with the Chiefs and his sixth as vice president of Arrowhead Events, remained in contact with sources to help get a head start on 2027. — Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

The likely endpoint is a durable middle ground, with smartphones kept for utility, dumbphones or minimalist devices used for downtime and software-level limits shaping the hours in between. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Use the downtime to put the finishing touches on your mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, and other Thanksgiving side dishes. — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

To maximize results and minimize downtime, take advantage of the Korean preference for stacking treatments. — Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026