Word
bandwidth
Phoneticsband·width, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbændwɪdθ/
UK/bˈændwɪdθ/
Definitions
01internet speed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. the amount of information that can be sent over a connection in a certain amount of time.
n. the transmission capacity of a computer network or communication channel, typically measured in bits per second.
“Streaming high-quality video requires a lot of bandwidth, so the movie kept pausing.”
“The office upgraded its fibre-optic connection to ensure sufficient bandwidth for the entire team to participate in video conferences simultaneously.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to general capacity.
Synonyms
02mental energy or time
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal
n. the mental energy, time, or ability you have to deal with a situation.
n. the cognitive or emotional capacity required to handle a task or process information.
“I would love to help you with the project, but I just don't have the bandwidth right now.”
“The manager realised that the team lacked the emotional bandwidth to take on another high-stress client before the current quarter ended.”
Teaching tip
This is a very common corporate metaphor; learners should use it to describe being too busy or overwhelmed to think about something new.
03radio frequencies
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the range of frequencies used for a radio or electrical signal.
n. the difference between the upper and lower frequencies in a continuous band of frequencies, typically measured in hertz.
“The radio station was granted a specific bandwidth to prevent interference with other channels.”
“The technical specifications require a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz to maintain signal integrity across the wireless link.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“One small wrinkle in the M6 variants the Mac mini uses: The basic 16GB Mac mini offers 153 GB/s of memory bandwidth, the same amount as the M5.” “Together they carry as much as 95% of India's international bandwidth to Europe, Africa and West Asia.” Etymology
From band + width.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bandwidth