Dead-time refers to a period when no activity or work is being done. Some synonyms for dead-time include downtime, idle time, wait time, leisure time, and free time. Downtime refers to a period of unproductive time, usually during maintenance or repair work. Idle time is time spent waiting for something, such as a bus or elevator. Wait time is the time spent waiting for a service, such as in a doctor's office or at a restaurant. Leisure time and free time refer to periods of time when a person is not working or engaged in any mandatory activity. These synonyms are all related to periods of unproductive time.