Definition

Noun: 1. A data transmission rate; the maximum amount of information (bits/second) that can be transmitted along a channel: This is the primary technical definition, referring to the capacity of a communication channel to carry data. Higher bandwidth allows more data to be transferred per second. 2. (Figurative) The capacity or resources (such as time, attention, or mental energy) available to handle tasks or information: This is a common metaphorical extension, used to describe a person's or system's limited ability to manage multiple demands.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Technical):
  • The new fiber-optic connection provides significantly more bandwidth than the old copper line.
  • Streaming high-definition video requires a lot of bandwidth.
  • The server's available bandwidth limits how many users can connect simultaneously.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • I don't have the mental bandwidth to deal with another problem right now.
  • The manager's bandwidth is fully occupied with the current project.
  • Can we discuss this later? I'm out of bandwidth at the moment.

Advanced Usage

• "To have low/high bandwidth": Used figuratively to describe someone's current capacity for processing information or tasks.
  • After the long meeting, I had very low bandwidth for complex decisions.
• "To consume/use up bandwidth": Describes tasks or issues that take up a person's mental resources or a system's technical capacity.
  • Constant interruptions really consume my cognitive bandwidth.
  • Background updates can use up your internet bandwidth.

Variants and Related Words

• Broadband (adj/noun): A high-bandwidth transmission technology capable of carrying multiple signals simultaneously.
  • Most homes now have broadband internet access.
• Narrowband (adj/noun): A transmission technology with a relatively low bandwidth.
  • Older dial-up connections are narrowband.

Synonyms

• Technical: Capacity, throughput, data rate.
• Figurative: Capacity, resources, attention span, headspace.

Related Phrases

• "Bandwidth-intensive": Requiring a large amount of data transmission capacity.
  • Online gaming is a bandwidth-intensive activity.
• "Bandwidth constraint": A limitation imposed by available data capacity.
  • The video call quality suffered due to bandwidth constraints.

Noun

1. a data transmission rate; the maximum amount of information (bits/second) that can be transmitted along a channel