Non-compact

Describing something that lacks the state or quality of being closely packed or compressed; not dense or tightly arranged. This term signifies a lack of consolidation, indicating that the constituent elements are spread out, loose, or voluminous, without being brought together into a smaller space. It often refers to physical arrangements of matter but can also extend to organizational structures or datasets that are spread across a vast area or stored without optimization for space or retrieval efficiency. Therefore a non-compact thing possesses open or extended form, as opposed to being condensed.

Non-compact meaning with examples

• The archaeologist carefully brushed away the topsoil to reveal the non-compact sedimentary layers beneath. The loose sand readily yielded artifacts. This non-compact structure made excavating slow work, but also protected the finds, as they weren't crushed by heavy soil. The artifacts proved the historical relevance.
• The company struggled with the non-compact organizational structure, which featured redundant departments and unclear reporting lines. This resulted in slow decision-making and inefficient use of resources. Addressing the non-compactness would require significant restructuring and process improvements.
• In database management, the developer chose a non-compact storage method for the initial dataset, prioritizing rapid data entry over storage space. This approach led to a very large database. It was easier to add to this non-compact data, than adding it to a compact one.
• Due to the fluffy nature of the insulation, the non-compact filling maintained excellent thermal properties. It prevented heat loss because of the air gaps. The insulation's effectiveness relied on its non-compact construction.