Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
downtime

downtime

46 4.1
A time when a machine or system is not working, for example during repairs
  • noun
  • /ˈdaʊnˌtaɪm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tiempo de inactividad
  • The system experienced unexpected downtime due to a technical glitch that required immediate attention.
  • reduce downtime
  • downtime for maintenance
  • cost of downtime

And then we had some downtime because of weather.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • After experiencing significant downtime last month, the IT team upgraded the server to prevent future issues.

  • You know, you need to have that downtime to get your thoughts together.

  • But I keep them all and if I have like downtime I read through them.

  • And then we had some downtime because of weather.

    Shawn Ryan Show

  • It's just you might have downtime on the system, but again, not super common.

  • We have a bit of downtime before the show starts.

    The Substance (2024)

  • In my downtime, I like to hang out with my best friends.

    Boy Kills World (2024)

  • "In a lot of businesses, we're an absolute necessity because the cost of downtime is so high," he says.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The software has led to a reduction in unexpected downtime caused by machine failure, Jennings said.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The factory scheduled maintenance to minimize downtime during the production cycle.

Synonyms

shutdown
vsdowntime
136 4.1

A time when a business, system, or service stops working

is usually caused by technical faults or scheduled maintenance rather than permanent closure
outage
vsdowntime
96 4.0

A time when a service like electricity or a website is not available

is broader, covering machines and facilities failing from technical faults or maintenance

Antonyms

uptime
  • Specialized
4 4.1

The time a computer or service works and can be used

How Long

shutdown
136 4.1
downtime
  • Specialized
46 4.1
outage
96 4.0
interruption
99 3.0
pause
192 1.0

Surface Forms

downtime singular
downtimes plural

Morphology

downtime = down + time (transparent) = down + time

Meaning is directly predictable from 'down' (not operating) + 'time' (period), a standard compound used in technical contexts.

Etymology

Downtime combines down (meaning 'not working' or 'off') and time, so it literally means a 'time' when something is 'down'. So, today downtime means a period when a machine, system, or facility is not functioning, often for repairs or after a problem.