leaner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more efficient, streamlined, or has less fat, often in the context of physical fitness or organizational structure. Example: "After several months of training, I noticed that my body had become leaner and more toned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They also backed a leaner national curriculum and an independent authority to monitor standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the end of his sentence, he was leaner and fitter than he'd ever been.

The Guardian - Music

f6e65e9a-4e9d-4e6e-b7c0-cbfd09c1496a Low in cholesterol, high in iron and protein, leaner than beef, pork or lamb: goat ticks all the modern dietary boxes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is possible to have sympathy with plumbers and builders and electricians and decorators who struggle in a competitive environment now that times are leaner, while remembering how impossible and extortionate it had become to employ such tradespeople at the start of the millennium.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before each of those will be a May production of the Oresteia trilogy by Aeschylus, adapted into a leaner modern reading, starring Lia Williams at the heart of an apocalyptically bloody family feud.

The Guardian

Modern fabrics will be used to lighten the expense of the costumes as well as their actually physical weight, and the tailoring will all accommodate the taller, leaner physiques of modern dancers.

The Guardian

Fast-food lovers deciding strictly on budget might opt for leaner Burger King.

The Guardian - Business

Useful debates on public-service reform, infrastructure investment and a leaner welfare state will likely follow.

The Economist

Mr Emanuel's approach is to try to make government leaner and more effective, while spreading the pain between public workers and taxpayers.

The Economist

Some argue that suddenly forcing the government to spend no more than it raises in taxes would make it leaner and fitter.

The Economist

And the supply chain, although leaner than it was in previous recessions (see chart), still has lots of inertia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational changes, use "leaner" to convey efficiency and strategic reduction of resources rather than simply downsizing. This emphasizes the positive outcome of the change.

Common error

Avoid using "leaner and meaner" as a cliché. While both words suggest efficiency, "meaner" implies a negative, ruthless approach. Use "leaner and more efficient" to maintain a positive tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "leaner" is as a comparative adjective. It's used to describe something as having less fat or being more efficient than something else, as seen in Ludwig examples like ""leaner than beef"" or describing a company aiming for a leaner structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "leaner", as analyzed by Ludwig, functions primarily as a comparative adjective denoting reduced size, increased efficiency, or decreased resource consumption. It is considered grammatically correct and enjoys very common usage across various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. The analysis also highlights that while "leaner" implies improvement, it should not be confused with negative connotations like "meaner"; alternatives such as ""more efficient"" or ""more streamlined"" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more streamlined

Indicates improved efficiency and simplicity, shifting the focus from physical leanness to operational efficiency.

more efficient

Focuses specifically on improved productivity and reduced waste, often in business or organizational contexts.

more economical

Emphasizes cost reduction and frugality, applicable in financial or resource management discussions.

more compact

Highlights the reduced size or volume of something, suitable for describing physical objects or data.

more trim

Suggests a neat and well-maintained appearance, often used in the context of physical fitness or design.

more sparse

Implies a reduction in quantity or density, applicable to data, population, or resources.

more bare

Highlights the removal of non-essential elements, leaving only the core components.

more skeletal

Emphasizes the reduction to a basic framework, often used metaphorically to describe organizations or plans.

more athletic

Conveys a sense of fitness and agility, implying a reduction in excess weight and improved performance.

more wiry

Suggests a thin but strong build, implying resilience and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "leaner" in a sentence?

You can use "leaner" to describe something that has been made more efficient, such as "The company adopted a "leaner business model"" or to compare something to a similar object that is smaller, such as "Buffalo meat is "leaner than beef"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "leaner"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "more efficient", "more streamlined", or "more economical".

Is it always better for a company to be "leaner"?

Not necessarily. While a "leaner" company may be more efficient and cost-effective, it's important to ensure that cuts don't compromise quality, innovation, or employee morale. A "balanced approach" is typically best.

What's the difference between "leaner" and "slimmer"?

"Leaner" often implies efficiency or a reduction of unnecessary components, while "slimmer" primarily refers to physical appearance or dimensions. You might say a budget is "leaner", but a person is "slimmer", although there can be overlap, for instance, when describing a more athletic physique.