1 B2 neutral
To reduce something in size, scope, or scale, especially in a planned and proportional way.
"The architects scaled down the design to fit the smaller site."
separable
scale down
B2 neutral separable transitive
To reduce something in size, scope, or proportion, often in a planned and proportional way.
In plain English
To make something smaller or less in a careful, organised way.
What does "scale down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To reduce a business operation, workforce, or programme, often due to financial pressure.
"The factory scaled down production after demand fell sharply in the third quarter."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To create a smaller version of a model, plan, or design while maintaining proportions.
"They built a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower for the theme park."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To reduce something on a scale proportionally — transparent.
Actually means
To make something smaller or less in a careful, organised way.
Usage tip
Used in business, engineering, architecture, and everyday speech. Can apply to physical objects (a scaled-down model) as well as operations and plans. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "scale down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
operations workforce model version production ambitions
How to conjugate "scale down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scale down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scales down
he/she/it
Past simple
scaled down
yesterday
Past participle
scaled down
have + pp
-ing form
scaling down
continuous
Hear "scale down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scale 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.