A change of direction or a movement downwards.
A reduction in quality or quantity.
A change in career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
(automotive, cycling) A shift of a transmission into a lower gear.
(transitive) Reduce something in quality or quantity, change one's career or lifestyle to a less stressful but less well-paid option, or shift a car or bicycle into a lower gear.
(intransitive) Function at a lower rate, change one's career or lifestyle to something less stressful but more personally rewarding, and shift a transmission into a lower gear in automotive or cycling.