Lean (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Lacking in mineral content or combustible material; "lean ore"; "lean fuel".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The mine was forced to close due to the discovery of lean ore that was not economically viable to extract.
- The car's engine was designed to run on lean fuel, which reduced its carbon emissions but also decreased its power output.
- The lean coal deposits in the region made it difficult to establish a profitable mining operation.
- The company's new technology was able to extract valuable minerals from lean ore that was previously considered worthless.
- The power plant was converted to burn lean natural gas, which reduced its environmental impact but increased its operating costs.
Antonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Containing little excess; "a lean budget"; "a skimpy allowance".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The charity operates on a lean budget and relies on donations to survive.
- She had to live on a lean diet for several months before the wedding to fit into her wedding dress.
- The company offers a lean salary package to new hires, but provides excellent training and development opportunities.
- Many people criticize the government for its lean response to the disaster, citing lack of funding and resources.
- After the holiday season, many people start a lean weight loss program to burn off the extra pounds they gained.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Not profitable or prosperous; "a lean year".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The company had a lean year due to increased competition in the market.
- Farmers struggled to make ends meet after a lean harvest season.
- She was determined to overcome the lean times by reducing her spending.
- After a lean period with few sales, the store owner considered closing down.
- The economy was experiencing a lean spell, with many businesses shutting down.
Related Words
Meaning 4
Lacking excess flesh; "you can't be too rich or too thin"; "Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look"-Shakespeare.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She was a lean and athletic figure, honed from years of running marathons.
- After months of dieting, he had achieved a lean physique that he was proud to show off.
- The model's lean face and angular features made her a popular choice for fashion designers.
- The lean and hungry look in his eyes made her feel uneasy, as if he was sizing her up.
- Years of living on a tight budget had given her a lean and resourceful approach to cooking.