# downshift

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdaʊnʃɪft/ · frequency rank #98,040

## Definitions
1. A change of direction or a movement downwards.
2. A reduction in quality or quantity.
3. A change in career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
4. A shift of a transmission into a lower gear, as dictated by heavier load on the engine, as for example when climbing a hill or strongly accelerating.

## Etymology
The noun is derived from down (preposition) + shift (“slight change or movement”). The verb is derived from the noun.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/downshift