downshift

Meaning

Noun

1. (Canada, US) A change of direction or a movement downwards.
2. (Canada, US) A reduction in quality or quantity.
3. (Canada, US) A change in career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
4. (Canada, US) A shift of a transmission into a lower gear, as dictated by heavier load on the engine, as for example when climbing a hill or strongly accelerating.

Verb

1. (Canada, US, transitive) To reduce (something) in quality or quantity (as effect, scope, speed, etc.)
2. (Canada, US, transitive) To change (one's career or lifestyle) to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
3. (Canada, US, transitive) To shift (a car or bicycle) into a lower gear.
4. (Canada, US, intransitive) To function at a lower rate; to slacken.
5. (Canada, US, intransitive) To change one's career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
6. (Canada, US, intransitive) To shift a transmission into a lower gear.

Opposite of

upshift#Noun, upshift#Verb, upshift

Synonyms

gear down

shift-down

Translations

zurückschalten

rétrograder

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdaʊnʃɪft/

Etymology

The noun is derived from down (preposition) + shift (“slight change or movement”). The verb is derived from the noun.