1 C1 idiomatic neutral
To reduce standards, salaries, or quality so that they match a lower level rather than raising lower ones up.
"Critics warned that the new trade deal would level down workers' protections across the region."
separable
level down
C1 neutral separable transitive
To reduce higher standards, salaries, or quality to match a lower benchmark.
In plain English
To make something better become as low or weak as something worse.
What does "level down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 informal
In gaming, to reduce a character's level or statistics (less common usage).
"The developers decided to level down all characters after the update to rebalance the game."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To flatten or bring a surface down to a lower elevation.
Actually means
To make something better become as low or weak as something worse.
Usage tip
Often used in economic or political contexts, particularly regarding wages, benefits, or standards. Frequently appears in the phrase 'race to the bottom' discussions. The opposite of 'level up'.
Words that pair with "level down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wages standards quality benefits conditions expectations
How to conjugate "level down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
level down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
levels down
he/she/it
Past simple
leveled down
yesterday
Past participle
leveled down
have + pp
-ing form
leveling down
continuous
Hear "level down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "level down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.