Home › Words › B › builddownbuilddownbuilddown means A systematic, gradual reduction in the number of something (especially nuclear weapons), normally by destroying more than are built.EtymologyFrom build + down.nounA systematic, gradual reduction in the number of something (especially nuclear weapons), normally by destroying more than are built.Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).Words closest in meaningBy meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.unbuild 59% match — To dismantle or deconstruct (something previously built). vs builddown →drawdown 54% match — The act of reduction or depletion (including through withdrawal or utilization). vs builddown →buildup 54% match — An accumulation; an increase; a gradual development. vs builddown →burndown 51% match — The use of a herbicide to destroy existing foliage. vs builddown →decumulate 51% match — To decrease in number. vs builddown →downscaling 51% match — The act by which something is downscaled; a reduction in size or numbers. vs builddown →denuclearize 50% match — To ban, remove or reduce the numbers of nuclear weapons in an area. vs builddown →boildown 50% match — The process of boiling something down; concentration by means of evaporation. vs builddown →