downshift

downshift [doun-shift] ExamplesWord Origin verb (used without object)

1. to shift an automotive transmission or vehicle into a lower gear.
2. to become less active; slow down: The economy seems to be downshifting.

verb (used with object)

3. to shift (an automotive transmission or vehicle) into a lower gear.

noun

4. an act or instance of downshifting.

Origin of downshift First recorded in 1950–55; down1 + shift Examples from the Web for downshift Contemporary Examples of downshift

On schools: keep innovating, increase accountability, but downshift the emphasis on test scores.

Jack Hidary Waits to Make His Push in New York City Mayoral Race

David Freedlander

August 14, 2013

Howard Kurtz on the downshift—and how Cain is defying political gravity.

‘Tired’ Cain Campaign Slows Down

Howard Kurtz

October 28, 2011

And this downshift in career ambitions is just as true for the top dogs among us.

I Just Had a Baby, I’ll Call You Back

Katty Kay, Claire Shipman

June 2, 2009