# downtime

/ˈdaʊnˌtaɪm/ (US) · /dˈaʊntaɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downtime
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

time when you can relax and do nothing because you are not working or busy. It can also mean the time when a machine or computer system is not working.

For teachers: a period of time during which a person is free from work or obligations; also refers to the interval when a computer system or machine is unavailable for use.

## Examples

- I need some downtime after this busy week.
- The IT department scheduled the server maintenance for Sunday night to minimize downtime for the employees.
- Finding a balance between high-intensity productivity and restorative downtime is essential for preventing burnout in demanding professional environments.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to relaxation or system inactivity; occasionally used with 'some' or 'a bit of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.