unstreamlined
|un-stream-lined|
/ˌʌnˈstriːmlaɪnd/
not made aerodynamic or efficient
Etymology
'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.'
'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.'
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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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
