streamline
Meaning: To make a system, organisation, or process more efficient and effective by simplifying it, removing unnecessary steps, or reducing complexity.
Originally an engineering term describing the smooth flow of air or water around an object, streamline has become one of the most popular verbs in management and policy writing. It carries overwhelmingly positive connotations of efficiency and modernisation. Common collocations include 'streamline operations,' 'streamline the process,' and 'streamline bureaucracy.' Like 'rationalise,' it can be a euphemism for cuts, but it sounds more optimistic.
Examples
- The Home Office pledged to streamline the visa application process to attract more skilled workers. 内政部承诺简化签证申请流程,以吸引更多技术人才。El Ministerio del Interior se comprometió a agilizar el proceso de solicitud de visados para atraer a más trabajadores cualificados.内務省はより多くの技能労働者を引きつけるため、ビザ申請手続きを簡素化すると約束した。내무부는 더 많은 숙련 노동자를 유치하기 위해 비자 신청 절차를 간소화하겠다고 약속했다.
- New software has been introduced to streamline the claims procedure and reduce waiting times for policyholders. 新软件的引入旨在简化理赔程序,缩短投保人的等待时间。Se ha introducido un nuevo software para simplificar el procedimiento de reclamaciones y reducir los tiempos de espera de los asegurados.請求手続きを効率化し、契約者の待ち時間を短縮するために新しいソフトウェアが導入された。보험 청구 절차를 효율화하고 계약자의 대기 시간을 줄이기 위해 새로운 소프트웨어가 도입되었다.
- The merger was intended to streamline operations and eliminate duplication across the two organisations. 此次合并旨在精简运营,消除两个组织之间的重复职能。La fusión tenía como objetivo racionalizar las operaciones y eliminar duplicidades en las dos organizaciones.その合併は、両組織の業務を合理化し、重複を排除することを目的としていた。그 합병은 두 조직 간의 업무를 효율화하고 중복을 제거하기 위한 것이었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, journalism, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From stream + line, originally describing the contour of a body that offers minimum resistance to a current. First used as a noun in the early 20th century in aerodynamics; the verb sense of making efficient emerged by the 1930s.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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