# slim down

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slim-down
Updated: 2026-07-29

## Definition

to lose weight or become thinner. You can also use this to describe a company or group that becomes smaller to save money.

For teachers: to reduce one's body weight or physical size; by extension, to reduce the size, complexity, or workforce of an organization to increase efficiency.

## Examples

- He managed to slim down by exercising every day.
- The company had to slim down its marketing department after a difficult financial year.
- The athlete followed a rigorous training regimen to slim down before the championship match to meet the weight class requirements.

## Usage notes

- can be used intransitively (a person slims down) or transitively (a manager slims down a team).
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'lose weight' (neutral) and 'diet' (the process); 'slim down' often implies a positive or intentional result of becoming more efficient or fit.

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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.