Langimage
English

unstreamlined

|un-stream-lined|

C2

/ˌʌnˈstriːmlaɪnd/

not made aerodynamic or efficient

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unstreamlined' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'un-' plus the adjective 'streamlined', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'streamline' meant 'to make smooth in flow or to make efficient/simpler.'

Historical Evolution

'streamline' is a modern English formation (early 20th century) from 'stream' + 'line' used to describe aerodynamic forms; 'streamlined' (past participle/adjective) was then negated by adding the productive prefix 'un-' to form 'unstreamlined.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'streamline' referred mainly to shaping for smooth flow (especially aerodynamics); over time its sense broadened to 'make more efficient or simpler,' and 'unstreamlined' therefore denotes the absence of those qualities.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not having a streamlined shape; lacking an aerodynamic, smooth, or tapered form.

The unstreamlined truck had higher fuel consumption on the highway.

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Antonyms

Adjective 2

not optimized or simplified; inefficient because of unnecessary complexity, redundancy, or bureaucracy.

An unstreamlined approval process delayed the project's launch.

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Last updated: 2025/10/12 12:17