Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ratchet-down

phrasal verb
/ˈrætʃɪt daʊn/
Definition
To reduce something gradually or in a step-by-step manner.
Examples
  • The company decided to ratchet-down their production in response to declining sales.
  • In negotiations, the team had to ratchet-down their demands to reach an agreement.
  • As the season progressed, they needed to ratchet-down their expectations for the team’s performance.
Meaning
The phrase ratchet-down is often used in contexts where a process or situation is intentionally minimized or decreased over time, often implying a careful or controlled approach to reduction.
Synonyms
  • decrease
  • reduce
  • diminish
  • scale back