# lowdown

/ˈɫoʊˌdaʊn/ (US) · /lˈəʊdaʊn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lowdown
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

the true facts or important details about something. You ask for it when you want the full story.

For teachers: inside information giving the full facts about a person, situation, or plan.

## Examples

- She gives me the lowdown on every meeting.
- Before the interview, his friend gives him the lowdown on the manager and the team.
- The reporter spent weeks gathering the lowdown on the housing deal, piecing together council records and quiet interviews with former staff.

## Synonyms

rundown

## Usage notes

- Typically used as 'the lowdown on' something; takes the definite article 'the'.

---

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.