diminish capability

[dɪˈmɪnɪʃ kəˈpæbɪləti]
verb phrase / noun phrase
diminuir capacidade
1. to reduce or weaken the ability or power to do something; to lessen one's competence or effectiveness
The injury will diminish his capability to play professional sports.
A lesão vai diminuir sua capacidade de jogar esportes profissionais.
2. to make something less effective or functional
Budget cuts diminish the capability of our research team.
Cortes orçamentários diminuem a capacidade do nosso time de pesquisa.
3. to reduce operational or functional capacity
The software update diminished the system's capability to process data quickly.
A atualização de software diminuiu a capacidade do sistema de processar dados rapidamente.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'diminish capability' is commonly used in professional, technical, and medical settings. In Brazil, it's frequently heard in corporate environments when discussing organizational changes or budget impacts. In the USA, it's prevalent in technical documentation, healthcare, and military contexts. The phrase is formal and typically avoids colloquial alternatives in official communications.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
reduce capabilityweaken abilityimpair performancedecrease competenceundermine effectivenesscompromise functionality
Antonyms / Antônimos
enhance capabilityincrease abilityimprove performancestrengthen competenceboost effectiveness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
diminuir capacidade
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
reduzir capacidade
Alternative commonly used in business contexts
Rio de Janeiro
enfraquecer capacidade
Emphasizes weakening aspect more strongly
Portugal
diminuir capacidade / reduzir aptidão
Similar to Brazilian Portuguese; 'aptidão' also used for capability

Related Words

diminishcapabilityimpairmentreductionweakeningcompetenceperformanceeffectiveness

Related Idioms & Phrases

to clip someone's wings
to hamstring someone
to tie someone's hands
to put someone on the back burner
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