Rightsize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To adjust the size, scale, or workforce of an organization to match its actual needs and improve efficiency
2. To appropriately modify the dimensions, capacity, or number of employees within a business in order to align with current demands and enhance operational effectiveness
3. To suitably alter the scale, workforce, or size of an enterprise to better fit its real requirements and increase productivity

Etymology: "Rightsize" is a compound of "right" and "size," the two plain English words combined into a single verb. The "right" here carries its sense of "appropriate" or "proper," so the word means to bring something to the correct size for the situation rather than simply to make it smaller or larger. The term became popular in corporate language, where it was used to describe adjusting a company's workforce or operations to suit current needs. Its polished, neutral tone is part of its appeal in business settings, since it can soften the impression of layoffs or cutbacks. The verb's straightforward construction makes it easy to parse, even though its meaning in boardrooms is often quite pointed.

Synonyms: resize, adjust, scale, modify

Antonyms: oversize, expand