Slowdown
'sləʊdaʊn
Definitions
2 meaningsA reduction in activity, speed, or rate of progress.
'sləʊdaʊn
A reduction in the rate of something
The factory experienced a temporary slowdown in production.
💡 Simply: Think of it like when you're walking and start to walk slower. A slowdown is when something that usually moves fast, starts moving much slower, like a game getting more boring as it goes on.
👶 For kids: When things are going slower than usual.
More Examples
The government is trying to combat the economic slowdown.
A slowdown in internet speed can be frustrating.
How It's Used
"The economic slowdown is causing concern among investors."
"The slowdown in sales forced the company to cut staff."
"There was a slowdown in traffic due to an accident."
To decrease the rate of activity or speed; to decelerate.
'sləʊdaʊn
To reduce the speed of something
The teacher told the students to slow down and review the material.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running, and then you start running slower. To slow down is to make something go slower, like when your parents tell you to slow down while you eat because you're eating too fast.
👶 For kids: To make something go slower.
More Examples
The mechanic slowed down the car's engine to check for problems.
The company will slow down their expansion plans.
How It's Used
"The driver slowed down to avoid hitting a pedestrian."
"The company decided to slowdown its hiring process."
Synonyms
Decline
Decrease
Pause
Reduction
Lessen
Reduce
Retard
Slack
From 'slow' + 'down'. It reflects a reduction in speed or activity. The word's use evolved with advancements in technology and the need to describe reductions in various processes.
The term 'slowdown' has been in use since the mid-20th century, initially related to industrial production and later expanding to encompass broader economic and social contexts. It originally applied to machinery and processes before expanding to describe economic and social trends.
Memory tip
Imagine a car losing speed gradually; that's a slowdown.