Streamlining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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streamlining

[ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

business operation

Optimizing a process or system by making it more efficient and effective, often by reducing unnecessary steps or resources.

Synonyms

enhance, improve, optimize, simplify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
streamlining

Typically used when making a process or system more efficient by eliminating unnecessary steps or complexities.

  • The company is streamlining its operations to cut down on costs
  • By streamlining our workflow, we managed to deliver projects faster
optimize

Used when making the best or most effective use of a resource or situation, often related to technical or performance improvements.

  • We need to optimize our website for better search engine rankings
  • The new algorithm will help us optimize our supply chain management
simplify

Used when making something easier to understand or do by reducing its complexity.

  • We need to simplify the registration process for new users
  • Her goal was to simplify the budgeting process for her clients
improve

A general term for making something better, more effective, or more efficient.

  • You can improve your language skills by practicing every day
  • We're working on ways to improve our team's productivity
enhance

Used when making something better or more attractive by adding or improving features.

  • We are looking to enhance the customer experience with a new mobile app
  • The new features will greatly enhance the functionality of the software

Examples of usage

  • By streamlining our production process, we were able to increase our output by 30%.
  • The company is streamlining its operations to cut costs and improve productivity.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The act of making a system or process more efficient by removing unnecessary steps or resources.

Synonyms

efficiency, improvement, optimization, simplification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
streamlining

Used when making a process or organization simpler and more efficient by removing unnecessary parts.

  • They are streamlining the hiring process to reduce delays.
  • The company is streamlining its operations to cut costs.
efficiency

Refers to achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

  • We need to improve efficiency to meet our quarterly goals.
  • Her efficiency in managing projects is commendable.
optimization

Best used when refining something to achieve the best possible performance or outcome.

  • The IT team is working on the optimization of the network.
  • We need to focus on the optimization of our marketing strategies.
simplification

Describes making something easier to understand or do by reducing complexity.

  • The manual requires simplification to be user-friendly.
  • They worked on the simplification of the tax filing process.
improvement

General term used for making something better.

  • The software update includes several significant improvements.
  • The teacher saw a marked improvement in the student's work.

Examples of usage

  • The streamlining of our workflow resulted in significant time savings.
  • Implementing streamlining strategies helped the company reduce expenses.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In software development, streamlining processes involves creating simpler code to speed up performance and reduce errors.
  • The concept is widely applied in automation, where machines and systems are programmed to handle tasks more efficiently.

Business

  • Streamlining is crucial in businesses to reduce costs and improve productivity, often leading to higher profits.
  • Techniques like Lean and Six Sigma focus on streamlining operations by eliminating waste and optimizing workflows.

Art and Design

  • In design, streamlining involves creating forms and shapes that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, like aerodynamic vehicles.
  • Artists often use streamlined forms in architecture to symbolize modernity and efficiency, seen in many contemporary buildings.

Psychology

  • Research shows that streamlining decision-making processes can reduce stress and improve happiness by cutting down overwhelming choices.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that streamlining tasks can help our brains work more efficiently, leading to better learning and retention.

Origin of 'streamlining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'streamline' comes from the combination of 'stream' (a flowing body of water) and 'line', referring to the shape that allows smooth flow.
  • It first appeared in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of design for cars and aircraft to reduce air resistance.

The term 'streamlining' originated in the early 20th century from the concept of reducing fluid resistance in vehicles, particularly aircraft and automobiles. It was later adopted in a broader sense to refer to the optimization of processes and systems in various fields, especially in business operations.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,366, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.