streamline

/ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (bre, ipa) · [strˈimlˌaɪn] /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (ame, ipa) · [strˈimlˌaɪn] /ˈstrēm-ˌlīn How to pronounce streamline (audio)/ (ame, mw)

streamline — verb

  • streamlinepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • streamlineshe / she / it
  • streamlinedpast simple
  • streamlining-ing form

1. to make a process, system, or organization work better by removing unnecessary s

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a process, system, or organization work better by removing unnecessary steps, costs, or people.

例句

The hospital streamlined its check-in process by moving forms online.

streamline + process by + -ing

Vivek helped the club streamline ticket sales before the music festival.

同義詞
  • simplify

    is broader and can refer to ideas or explanations, not only efficiency

  • optimize

    sounds more technical and often focuses on measured performance

  • reorganize

    focuses on changing structure or roles, not always on removing steps

反義詞
  • complicate

    to make a process harder or more confusing

  • slow down

    focuses on reduced speed rather than added efficiency

  • bloat

    to add unnecessary size, cost, or procedure

文法句型

streamline a process

streamline operations by + -ing

streamline a system for + goal

用法筆記

Object is usually a process, service, department, or routine rather than a person. Often followed by by + -ing to name the change that removes extra steps.

常見錯誤

❌We streamlined faster after lunch.
✅We streamlined the order form after lunch.
💡streamline normally needs the process or system being improved as its object.
❌The new boat was streamlined because we cut two meetings.
✅The new booking system was streamlined because we cut two meetings.
💡this sense is about reducing steps in a system, not about physical shape.

2. to give a vehicle or object a smooth shape so it meets less air or water resista

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to give a vehicle or object a smooth shape so it meets less air or water resistance while moving.

例句

Engineers streamlined the train nose before the line opened.

streamline + vehicle part

Nala streamlined the paper plane by folding down the wide corners.

streamline + by + -ing shape change

同義詞
  • reshape

    is broader and does not itself imply less resistance

  • refine

    can describe design improvements without specifically reducing drag

  • smooth

    focuses on evenness and may not imply movement through air or water

反義詞
  • widen

    can make a shape broader rather than more drag-reducing

  • bulk up

    suggests adding size that may create more resistance

  • roughen

    adds unevenness instead of a smooth moving shape

文法句型

streamline a vehicle

be streamlined for speed

streamline the hull

用法筆記

Object is usually a body, nose, hull, or other part whose shape affects movement. Distinguish from verb/1, which is about cutting extra steps in a system.

常見錯誤

❌We streamlined the office by making it more curved.
✅We streamlined the office process by cutting extra forms.
💡curved physical shape belongs to this sense, but office procedures belong to verb/1.

streamline — noun