empty capacity

[/ˈɛmpti kəˈpæsɪti/]
noun phrasepl: empty capacities
capacidade vazia
1. The state of having available space, resources, or ability that is not being used; unused potential or available space in a container, vehicle, or facility
The warehouse has significant empty capacity that could be used for additional inventory.
O armazém tem uma capacidade vazia considerável que poderia ser utilizada para estoque adicional.
2. In logistics and transportation, the amount of space or weight limit available in a vehicle or container that remains unfilled
The truck left with empty capacity, wasting fuel costs on a partially-loaded route.
O caminhão saiu com capacidade vazia, desperdiçando custos de combustível em uma rota parcialmente carregada.
3. In organizational contexts, unused human resources, equipment, or operational capability
The factory operated at empty capacity after losing several major contracts.
A fábrica operava com capacidade vazia após perder vários contratos importantes.
This term is particularly prevalent in Brazilian business and industrial contexts, especially in logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain management. It reflects economic concerns about efficiency and cost management. In the USA, the term is common in corporate and transportation industries. The concept has become increasingly important in lean management and efficiency optimization discussions globally.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unused capacityavailable capacityspare capacityexcess capacityidle capacity
Antonyms / Antônimos
full capacitymaximum capacityutilized capacityoperating at capacity

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
capacidade vazia
Standard term used in business and logistics contexts
General Brazilian
capacidade ociosa
Alternative term emphasizing unused/idle capacity, common in economics
São Paulo
capacidade disponível
Emphasizes availability rather than emptiness; used in business contexts
Portugal
capacidade não utilizada
More formal term; literally 'unutilized capacity'

Related Words

capacity utilizationspare roomavailable spacesurplusinefficiencyunderutilization

Related Idioms & Phrases

running on empty
leaving money on the table
wasted potential
dead weight
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