noun

downtime

DOWN-tym

Downtime (noun) means a period when a system or machine is out of action, often due to a fault. Example: “The website had two hours of downtime during the server migration.”

noun

A period when a system or machine is out of action, often due to a fault.

"The website had two hours of downtime during the server migration."

"Scheduled downtime for maintenance is planned for Sunday night."

Free time set aside to rest and recover between periods of activity.

"After the tour, the band took some downtime before recording again."

How to use downtime

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTime when something (a machine, or a person) is not working — either broken or just resting.

Common pairings

scheduled downtime system downtime need some downtime

Word forms

downtimes plural

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The website had two hours of _____ during the server migration.

Etymology

From down (in the sense "out of service") + time.

Rhymes for downtime

time dime mime lime crime anime grime prime chime slime regime runtime

See all rhymes for downtime →

Frequently asked questions

What does “downtime” mean?

The word “downtime” means a period when a system or machine is out of action, often due to a fault. In plain terms, time when something (a machine, or a person) is not working — either broken or just resting.

How do you pronounce “downtime”?

“Downtime” is pronounced DOWN-tym (/ˈdaʊnˌtaɪm/ in IPA).

How do you use “downtime” in a sentence?

Here is “downtime” used in a sentence: “The website had two hours of downtime during the server migration.”

What part of speech is “downtime”?

“Downtime” is a noun.

How many meanings does “downtime” have?

“Downtime” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a period when a system or machine is out of action, often due to a fault.