B2 noun Neutral

bandwidth

/ˈbænd.wɪdθ/

Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network or communication channel, often measured in bits per second. In a metaphorical sense, especially in business, it describes the mental or physical capacity, time, and resources an individual or team has to handle a task.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The movie stopped playing because our home bandwidth was being shared by too many devices.

The movie stopped playing because our home data capacity was being shared by too many devices.

2

The proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network bandwidth for the entire university.

The proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network data capacity for the entire university.

3

I'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the bandwidth this weekend.

I'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the time or energy this weekend.

Word Family

Noun
bandwidth
Adjective
wideband
Related
band
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a highway. The 'bandwidth' is the number of lanes; more lanes (higher bandwidth) allow more cars (data/tasks) to pass through at once.

Quick Quiz

Before we agree to the new client's requests, we must determine if our developers have the _____ to complete the extra work.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bandwidth

Examples

1

The movie stopped playing because our home bandwidth was being shared by too many devices.

everyday

The movie stopped playing because our home data capacity was being shared by too many devices.

2

The proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network bandwidth for the entire university.

formal

The proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network data capacity for the entire university.

3

I'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the bandwidth this weekend.

informal

I'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the time or energy this weekend.

4

The study analyzes how limited cognitive bandwidth affects decision-making in high-stress environments.

academic

The study analyzes how limited mental capacity affects decision-making in high-stress environments.

5

We need to check if the marketing team has the bandwidth to launch two campaigns simultaneously.

business

We need to check if the marketing team has the resources and time to launch two campaigns simultaneously.

Word Family

Noun
bandwidth
Adjective
wideband
Related
band

Common Collocations

high bandwidth large data transfer capacity
limited bandwidth restricted capacity or resources
mental bandwidth cognitive capacity to process information
allocate bandwidth to assign resources or data capacity
consume bandwidth to use up available capacity

Common Phrases

lack the bandwidth

to not have enough time or energy to do something

emotional bandwidth

the capacity to handle emotional stress or support others

available bandwidth

the amount of free capacity currently left

Often Confused With

bandwidth vs latency

Bandwidth is how much data can be sent at once; latency is the delay before that data begins to move.

bandwidth vs broadband

Broadband is a type of high-speed internet connection, whereas bandwidth is the measurement of that connection's capacity.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'bandwidth' literally when discussing internet speeds and networking. In professional contexts, use it metaphorically to discuss your availability or workload without sounding too personal.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'bandwidth' to mean 'speed' (how fast data moves), but it actually refers to 'volume' (how much data moves at one time). Avoid using it to describe physical strength; it is for mental energy or time.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a highway. The 'bandwidth' is the number of lanes; more lanes (higher bandwidth) allow more cars (data/tasks) to pass through at once.

📖

Word Origin

Originates from 'band' (a range of radio frequencies) and 'width' (the extent of that range), first used in signal processing in the mid-20th century.

Grammar Patterns

usually functions as an uncountable noun often preceded by possessive adjectives like 'my', 'their', or 'the team's' can be modified by adjectives like 'cognitive', 'mental', or 'network'
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern corporate culture (Silicon Valley and beyond), 'bandwidth' is a very common buzzword used to avoid saying 'I am too busy' or 'I am overwhelmed.'

Quick Quiz

Before we agree to the new client's requests, we must determine if our developers have the _____ to complete the extra work.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bandwidth

Related Words

bristling

B2

To bristle means to have hair or fur stand up away from the skin, typically due to fear or anger. Figuratively, it describes being covered with or full of something, or showing sharp annoyance or defensiveness.

broad

B2

Describes something that is physically wide or has a large distance from side to side. In abstract or academic contexts, it refers to a scope, range, or category that is comprehensive and covers a wide variety of topics or ideas.

broadcaster

B2

A broadcaster is a person or an organization that transmits programs or information via radio or television. It can refer to a large corporation that owns media channels or the individual presenter who speaks on air.

broadminded

B2

Describes someone who is willing to accept or tolerate beliefs, behaviors, or lifestyles that differ from their own. It implies a lack of prejudice and a receptiveness to new ideas or unconventional opinions.

broadside

B2

To broadside means to hit or collide with the side of something, most commonly a vehicle. Metaphorically, it refers to launching a sudden, forceful, and often public verbal or written attack against someone or something.

brogue

B2

To speak with a strong regional accent, typically an Irish or Scottish one, or to fit a person or shoe with traditional heavy leather decorative patterns. As a verb, it describes the act of imbuing speech with a melodic lilt or wearing sturdy, perforated footwear.

broke

B2

To be without money; experiencing a complete lack of funds, often used to describe a temporary state before one receives a paycheck or more money. In a broader context, it can describe a business that has become insolvent or bankrupt.

bromine

B2

Bromine is a chemical element that appears as a dark reddish-brown liquid at room temperature and is part of the halogen group. It is known for its pungent odor and is primarily used in industrial chemicals, flame retardants, and as a disinfectant in swimming pools and spas.

bronchitis

B2

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored, and experience difficulty breathing.

brooch

B2

A brooch is a decorative piece of jewelry that is designed to be attached to a person's clothing. It features a pin on the back to fasten it securely to a garment, often serving as both an ornament and a functional clasp.

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