Word
leaner
Phoneticslean·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫinɝ/
UK/lˈiːnɐ/
Definition
adj. having less fat or being thinner than before. You also use it to describe a business or system that uses fewer people or less money to do the same work.
adj. the comparative form of 'lean'; describes a person or animal with less body fat, or an organization that has become more efficient by reducing waste and personnel.
Examples
“The athlete looks much leaner after months of training.”
“After the merger, the company emerged as a leaner organization with a smaller but more specialized workforce.”
“By adopting just-in-time manufacturing, the factory achieved a leaner production cycle that significantly reduced the capital tied up in unsold inventory.”
Examples
simple
“The athlete looks much leaner after months of training.”
contextual
“After the merger, the company emerged as a leaner organization with a smaller but more specialized workforce.”
complex
“By adopting just-in-time manufacturing, the factory achieved a leaner production cycle that significantly reduced the capital tied up in unsold inventory.”
Usage
Comparative form of the adjective 'lean'. Often used in business contexts to imply improved efficiency through cost-cutting.
Pitfall
He is more lean than his brother.
He is leaner than his brother.
One-syllable adjectives usually take the '-er' suffix for comparatives rather than the word 'more'.
Real-World Examples
“I couldn’t help but crave a leaner, meaner version of this movie.” “The mice also appeared younger, leaner and more physically fit than control animals of the same age.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/leaner