German Conversation · Level 127
44 words
German word
reibungslos
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʁaɪ̯bʊŋsˌloːs/
Meaning
- adjectivesmooth
Example
Wir hatten einen reibungslosen Ablauf.
We had a smooth process.
More examples
Der Start verlief reibungslos.
The start went smoothly.
Core concept
A planned process moving steadily from start to finish without snags or resistance.
Common phrases
ein reibungsloser Ablauf
a smooth process
ein reibungsloser Start
a smooth start
ein reibungsloser Übergang
a smooth transition
Similar words
glatt: Progressing easily without snags or obstacles.
mühelos: Requiring almost no effort or extra work.
flüssig: Flowing naturally without pauses or awkward interruptions.
problemlos: Completed without unexpected problems or obstacles.
Definition in German
Ohne Störungen oder Reibungen, so dass etwas planmäßig funktioniert.
Word origin
Reibungslos combines Reibung, "friction," from reiben, "to rub," with -los, "without," extending the literal sense metaphorically to trouble-free operation.
Usage tips
- As an attributive adjective, reibungslos takes an ending, as in ein reibungsloser Ablauf, while the predicate form remains reibungslos.
Other meanings
- smoothlyadverb
Opposites
- holprigawkwardadjective
- stockendhaltingadjective
Related words
- Reibungslosigkeitsmoothnessnoun
- reibungsfreifriction-freeadjective