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Downtime

UK //ˈdaʊn.taɪm//US //ˈdaʊn.taɪm//

Definition

Time spent not working or not being active.

In simple words: Time when you are not working.

Examples

I enjoy my downtime by reading books.
After a long week, he deserved some downtime.
The server experienced downtime due to maintenance work.
She uses her downtime to catch up on her favorite shows.
We should plan some downtime during our vacation.
Maximize your downtime by engaging in hobbies you love.
The project's downtime caused some delays in completion.
It's important to schedule downtime to avoid burnout.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe time spent away from work. Avoid using in very formal reports.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'down' and 'time' – when you’re not up and working.

Collocations

take downtime
enjoy downtime
experience downtime
schedule downtime
downtime activities

Synonyms

break
rest
leisure
hiatus
pause

Common mistakes

Using 'downtime' as a verb.
Confusing it with 'off time' or 'break time'.
Assuming it only applies to machinery or technology.