noun

downtime

/ˈdaʊnˌtaɪm/ · say it: DOWN·time

time when a system is unavailable

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (noun) a period when a machine, system, or business is not working or operating

2. (noun) free time when you are not working or busy; time to relax

Examples

1. The server experienced several hours of downtime yesterday, so the website was unavailable.
2. After a busy week, I spent my downtime watching movies and reading books.

How to use downtime

Downtime has two distinct uses: in technical or business contexts, it refers to periods when equipment, systems, or operations cease functioning (often unplanned and costly); in general usage, it refers to leisure or relaxation time away from work. Both senses are common in contemporary English and appear in both formal and informal registers depending on context.

Common phrases

scheduled downtime
minimize downtime
during downtime
unexpected downtime
productive downtime
system downtime

Synonyms

downtime · idle time · inactivity · rest period · off time

Opposites

uptime · operation · activity

Word family

down (adjective/adverb) · time (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse downtime with deadline or use it to mean a temporary reduction in activity rather than a complete halt or cessation; it specifically implies non-functioning or non-working periods, not merely slower operation.

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