Word
downplaying
Phoneticsdown·play·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnˌpɫeɪɪŋ/
UK/dˈaʊnpleɪɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make something seem smaller or less serious than it really is. You use this when someone tries to make a problem sound not so bad.
v. to present something as less important, serious, or likely than it actually is. Often used for risks, problems, or achievements that a speaker wants to minimize.
Examples
“She keeps downplaying her headache and refuses to rest.”
“The manager kept downplaying the delay, telling customers it was only a minor issue.”
“Despite downplaying his role in the negotiations, his quiet interventions shaped the final agreement more than any public statement.”
Examples
simple
“She keeps downplaying her headache and refuses to rest.”
contextual
“The manager kept downplaying the delay, telling customers it was only a minor issue.”
complex
“Despite downplaying his role in the negotiations, his quiet interventions shaped the final agreement more than any public statement.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “downplaying” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of downplaying
“Critics accused the company of downplaying pollution levels.”
verb + prep + noun
02. avoid downplaying
“Teachers should avoid downplaying bullying in schools.”
verb + noun
03. blame for downplaying
“Parents blamed officials for downplaying risks at the school.”
verb + prep + noun
04. deny downplaying
“The minister denied downplaying the scale of the floods.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. constant downplaying
“She was tired of his constant downplaying of her health problems.”
adj + noun
06. deliberate downplaying
“The inquiry blamed deliberate downplaying of risks for the accident.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. downplaying of crisis
“The downplaying of the crisis angered many residents.”
noun + prep + noun
08. downplaying of risk
“The downplaying of risk led to poor preparation for the storm.”
noun + prep + noun
09. accused of downplaying the crisis
“The mayor was accused of downplaying the crisis.”
10. downplay concerns about safety
“The airline tried to downplay concerns about safety.”
11. downplay the risks of
“Don't downplay the risks of smoking to your health.”
12. downplay the seriousness of
“The government tried to downplay the seriousness of the outbreak.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“US President Donald Trump has downplayed risks posed by artificial intelligence following days of dire warnings by experts.” “South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed reports that his invitation to the forthcoming G7 summit in France has been withdrawn, saying non-attendance by a country outside the bloc should surprise no-one.” “However, Rockstar has downplayed the breach, telling the BBC "this incident has no impact on our organisation or our players".” “By downplaying these hazards, the agency contended that consumers were placed at risk of serious injury or even death.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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