bandwidth
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the amount of information that can be sent over a connection in a certain amount of time.
the transmission capacity of a computer network or communication channel, typically measured in bits per second.
Simple“Streaming high-quality video requires a lot of bandwidth, so the movie kept pausing.”
In context“The office upgraded its fibre-optic connection to ensure sufficient bandwidth for the entire team to participate in video conferences simultaneously.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to general capacity.
Synonymsbitrateconnection speed - 02 C1 Advanced
the mental energy, time, or ability you have to deal with a situation.
the cognitive or emotional capacity required to handle a task or process information.
Simple“I would love to help you with the project, but I just don't have the bandwidth right now.”
In context“The manager realised that the team lacked the emotional bandwidth to take on another high-stress client before the current quarter ended.”
Teacher's tipThis is a very common corporate metaphor; learners should use it to describe being too busy or overwhelmed to think about something new.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
the range of frequencies used for a radio or electrical signal.
the difference between the upper and lower frequencies in a continuous band of frequencies, typically measured in hertz.
Simple“The radio station was granted a specific bandwidth to prevent interference with other channels.”
In context“The technical specifications require a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz to maintain signal integrity across the wireless link.”
Synonymsfrequency range
“Together they carry as much as 95% of India's international bandwidth to Europe, Africa and West Asia.”
From band + width.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.