time-consuming
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Requiring a significant amount of time to complete; taking up a lot of time.
Usage
The adjective "time-consuming" describes an activity, task, or process that demands a considerable duration to finish. It often implies that the effort or patience required is notable due to the length of time involved. - It is typically used before a noun (e.g., a time-consuming process) or after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems." - It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting inefficiency or a heavy demand on one's schedule.
Examples
- Preparing a home-cooked feast from scratch can be very time-consuming.
- Data entry is a necessary but time-consuming part of the job.
- The application procedure was more time-consuming than we had anticipated.
Advanced Usage
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: "more time-consuming," "most time-consuming."
- Debugging the code proved to be more time-consuming than writing it.
- Used to modify gerunds or action nouns.
- We are looking for ways to automate time-consuming tasks.
Variants and Related Words
- Time-consumingly (adverb, rare): In a manner that consumes time.
- The work proceeded time-consumingly slowly.
Synonyms
- Lengthy
- Laborious
- Protracted
- Involved
Antonyms
- Quick
- Efficient
- Expedient
- Swift
Related Phrases and Idioms
- A labor of love: A task that is time-consuming but done for personal pleasure rather than reward. (While not containing "time-consuming," it describes a similar concept.)
- Restoring the old car was a labor of love.
Adjective
- of a task that takes time and patience