bandwidth
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 5The 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.
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.
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The movie stopped playing because our home bandwidth was being shared by too many devices.
everydayThe movie stopped playing because our home data capacity was being shared by too many devices.
The proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network bandwidth for the entire university.
formalThe proposed infrastructure upgrade will significantly increase the network data capacity for the entire university.
I'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the bandwidth this weekend.
informalI'd love to help you with your move, but I just don't have the time or energy this weekend.
The study analyzes how limited cognitive bandwidth affects decision-making in high-stress environments.
academicThe study analyzes how limited mental capacity affects decision-making in high-stress environments.
We need to check if the marketing team has the bandwidth to launch two campaigns simultaneously.
businessWe need to check if the marketing team has the resources and time to launch two campaigns simultaneously.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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 is how much data can be sent at once; latency is the delay before that data begins to move.
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
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
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