downtimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "downtimes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to periods of time in which something is not functional or is not in use. For example, "The factory has regular down times for maintenance and repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Arecibo Observatory also provided help: it installed gear purchased by the Reboot Project and allowed it to use Arecibo's huge satellite dish free during downtimes.

The Economist

You wind up feeling doubly bullied — first by the brutal enormity of the set pieces, and then by the emotional arm-twisting of the downtimes.

The New Yorker

Referring to local governments, he said, "We're trying to give them flexibility so in the downtimes they can make adjustments just like a business would".

The New York Times

That's how I deal with the downtimes.

The Guardian

The action is quickly over, like a boxing match scheduled to last for only one round, with long downtimes in between races, which NBC fills with B-roll footage, bios of trainers, and live shots of ladies in hats.

The New Yorker

Adding to the appeal are new, quick games that can be played during brief downtimes, while the user is on hold on the telephone or waiting for a printout.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A preference for DiCaprio, though, isn't simply hormonal downtime – who you'd prefer when you're not choosing for genes – but rather an indication of preferences in the longer term.

The Guardian - Film

This sounds horribly bossy for the first weekend of the school holidays, I know, but do you want to spend your downtime in a panic, grabbing random dresses out of your wardobe, discarding them and then having to hang them back up again?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The front office made productive use of the downtime, signing four starters to contract extensions and hiring a new announcing team following John Strong's ascension to "Voice of MLS" status with NBCSN.

The Guardian - Sport

French people working in the arts and entertainment – from circus clowns, choreographers, actors and musicians to camera operators and sound staff working at state TV – have a special dole system, designed to protect them in the downtime between jobs and sparing them the curse of out-of-work creatives elsewhere in the world: waiting tables or telesales.

The Guardian

Envisioned as a cultural palace for the people, free to enter, it was supposed to expand the minds of the city's factory workers in their downtime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing operational efficiency, clearly differentiate between planned and unplanned "downtimes" to better analyze causes and implement targeted improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "downtimes" when referring to a singular, general period of inactivity; use "downtime" instead. For example, say "The project allowed for some downtime" not "downtimes".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "downtimes" is as a plural noun, typically referring to multiple instances or periods when something is not operational or active. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "downtimes" refers to multiple instances or periods of inactivity, particularly in operational or technical contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely used in various forms of writing. Usage is most common in the News & Media and Encyclopaedia context. Related phrases like "periods of inactivity" or "system outages" can be used as alternatives depending on the context. Remember to distinguish between "downtime" (singular) and "downtimes" (plural) to avoid grammatical errors, and clearly define if you're referring to planned or unplanned "downtimes" when discussing efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system outages

Highlights failures or interruptions in system functionality.

non-operational periods

Focuses on when something is not functioning or available for use.

service interruptions

Highlights breaks in the delivery of a service.

periods of inactivity

Focuses on the state of being inactive rather than specifically scheduled or unscheduled interruptions.

periods of unavailability

Focuses on when something is not accessible or available.

idle times

Emphasizes the time when something or someone is not actively engaged or working.

lulls in activity

Emphasizes quiet or calm periods in otherwise busy times.

periods of reduced activity

Highlights a decrease in the level of activity rather than a complete stop.

off-peak hours

Refers to periods when demand or usage is lower, often in a business or service context.

scheduled maintenance windows

Specifically indicates planned periods for system maintenance.

FAQs

How do I use "downtimes" in a sentence?

"Downtimes" refers to multiple instances or periods of inactivity or non-operation. For example, "The factory experiences frequent downtimes due to aging equipment".

What's the difference between "downtime" and "downtimes"?

"Downtime" refers to a general state or a single period of inactivity. "Downtimes" refers to multiple, distinct periods of inactivity.

What are some alternatives to "downtimes"?

Alternatives include "periods of inactivity", "system outages", or "service interruptions" depending on the specific context.

Is "downtimes" formal or informal?

The term "downtimes" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject being discussed. In technical or business settings, it's quite common.