lean team

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean team" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to efficiency, agility, or minimalism in team structures or processes. For example: "Our startup operates with a lean team to maximize productivity." Alternative expressions include "agile team" and "efficient team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They loved our closeness, and also our flexibility — the ability to be a lean team.

The New York Times

Campaign style: While building a relatively lean team, campaign has made extensive use of modelling to identify potential donors Soundbite: "How do you break the Washington cartel?

The Guardian

Like Betaworks, Thirty Labs is starting with a very lean team.

TechCrunch

TechCrunch has always been a lean team that punches above its weight.

TechCrunch

The improvement is attributed to Starbucks' executive "lean team" approach to cutting waste and raising worker productivity.

Forbes

Hello was built over the last year by a lean team connected to Facebook Messenger, and led by Vaccari.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Few winced as lean teams ballooned in plush offices, and founders flew to conferences and events instead of building products.

TechCrunch

With a leaner team and some editorial inspiration from Brown, it may just defy the doomsayers.

The Guardian

It took 22 years for soda to catch on despite already having a patent, not needing FDA approval, and maintaining an ultra-lean team of two.

TechCrunch

Gumroad's efforts to continue to operate as a leaner team are not uncommon in the startup world.

TechCrunch

In the meantime, Rothenberg now runs a much leaner team, down from 50 to 60 people at its peak some time last year, a figure that includes contractors.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a team's structure, use "lean team" to emphasize efficiency and resourcefulness in achieving goals.

Common error

While "lean team" is a positive descriptor, avoid using it excessively as it can become a cliché. Instead, use specific examples to illustrate the team's efficiency and accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean team" functions as a noun phrase, where "lean" modifies the noun "team". According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to describe a group that operates efficiently with minimal resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lean team" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a team that operates efficiently with minimal resources. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. When writing, it is recommended to use this phrase to convey efficiency and resourcefulness. While suitable for formal communication, it's important to avoid overuse and support claims of efficiency with concrete examples. Related terms include "efficient team" and "agile team", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

efficient team

Focuses specifically on the efficiency of the team's operations.

agile team

Emphasizes the team's ability to adapt and respond quickly to changes.

small team

Highlights the size of the team as being limited.

streamlined team

Suggests that the team's processes have been optimized for simplicity and speed.

minimalist team

Implies a focus on essential elements and avoidance of unnecessary complexity.

downsized team

Indicates a team that has been reduced in size, often due to restructuring or cost-cutting.

right-sized team

Suggests the team is optimally sized for the task at hand.

compact team

Emphasizes the team's small size and close-knit nature.

resourceful team

Highlights the team's ability to make effective use of limited resources.

nimble team

Focuses on the team's quickness and flexibility in responding to challenges.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "lean team" in a sentence?

Use "lean team" to describe a team that achieves significant results with minimal resources. For example: "Our startup operates with a "lean team" to maximize productivity".

What are some alternatives to saying "lean team"?

You can use alternatives such as "efficient team", "agile team", or "small team" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "lean team" in formal writing?

Yes, "lean team" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business and technology contexts, as it conveys efficiency and optimized resource allocation.

What is the difference between a "lean team" and a "small team"?

While a "small team" simply refers to the number of members, a "lean team" implies efficiency and optimized resource utilization, regardless of its size. A lean team could be small, but that's not its defining characteristic.