low capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

'low capacity' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is capable of holding or producing a relatively small amount of something. For example, "We have a low capacity battery that only lasts for two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Compared with motorized pumps, for example, KickStart's pumps are labor-intensive and low capacity.

Harvard Business Review

The organization could hold extra inventory, maintain low capacity utilization, have many suppliers, etc.

Harvard Business Review

However, the low capacity, poor rate performance and rapid capacity degradation impede their practical application.

Nature

The human heart has a relatively low capacity to regenerate itself.

Harvard University

This implies that cycads have an extraordinarily low capacity for dispersal.

University of California, Berkeley

The model simplicity is appropriate for low capacity wireless devices.

Computer Communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The tricky part is sending images quickly over conventional, low-capacity networks.

The New York Times

How do states in a low-tax, low-capacity equilibrium spur citizens to start paying taxes?

Harvard University

Low-capacity rooftop transmitters usually work well in urban areas and are more palatable to most residents.

The New York Times

And low-capacity versions capable of storing several hundred pictures cost a quarter the price of the current crop of tiny hard drives.

The New York Times

"Low-capacity utilization is inconsistent with concerns about future regulatory risk, but aligns with weak demand holding back current production".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing limitations, use "low capacity" to clearly indicate a restriction in the amount something can hold or produce.

Common error

Avoid using "low capacity" when you actually mean "low capability". "Capacity" refers to the amount something can contain or produce, while "capability" refers to the ability to do something. For instance, say "the country has a "low capacity" to collect taxes" if you are speaking about the country's existing infrastructure/system; instead, refer to "low capabilities" if you are speaking about a country's abilities to do something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low capacity" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a reduced or limited ability of something to hold, produce, or manage a certain quantity. Ludwig provides examples in different domains like technology and economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low capacity" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that functions as an adjective describing a limited ability to hold, produce, or manage something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning and to avoid confusion with similar terms like "low capability". Consider using synonyms such as "limited capacity" or "small capacity" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited capacity

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the capacity.

Small capacity

Highlights the small size or extent of the capacity.

Reduced capacity

Focuses on the capacity having been decreased.

Insufficient capacity

Indicates that the capacity is not adequate for the intended purpose.

Inadequate capacity

Similar to insufficient, stressing a lack of needed capacity.

Limited output

Shifts the focus to the restricted amount produced.

Restricted volume

Highlights the limited amount of space or content that can be held.

Minimal capability

Emphasizes the slight or basic nature of the ability to perform.

Poor performance

Focuses on the subpar level of functionality.

Weak output

Indicates a low or feeble level of production.

FAQs

How can I use "low capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "low capacity" to describe anything that has a limited ability to hold, produce, or manage something. For example, "The hospital has a "low capacity" for patients", or "The device suffers from "low capacity" storage".

What's a good alternative to "low capacity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "limited capacity", "small capacity", or "insufficient capacity".

Is "low capacity" the same as "inefficient"?

No, "low capacity" refers to the limited amount something can hold or produce. "Inefficient", on the other hand, refers to how well something uses resources to achieve a result. A system can have a "low capacity" but still be efficient in its use of resources, or vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use "low capacity" instead of "limited resources"?

"Low capacity" is best used when referring to the specific amount something can hold or produce. "Limited resources" is a broader term that encompasses all available means including personnel, equipment, and funding. For example: "The server had a "low capacity"" versus "the project suffered due to "limited resources"".