By numbers

adverb

Following a set or predetermined way of doing things, without any originality or creativity.

The director's new movie was just a remake of an old classic, done by numbers.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - Following a set or predetermined way of doing things, without any originality or creativity

Often appears as...

  • done by numbers
  • played by numbers

Usage tips

Colloquial

adverb

In numerical order or in a series.

Please line up by numbers from one to ten.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - In numerical order or in a series

Often appears as...

  • line up by numbers
  • sort by numbers
adverb

Systematically, especially by using a numerical or statistical system.

The inventory items were categorized by numbers.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - Systematically, especially by using a numerical or statistical system

Often appears as...

  • categorized by numbers
  • organized by numbers
adverb

Following a set or predetermined way of doing things, without any originality or creativity.

The director's new movie was just a remake of an old classic, done by numbers.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - Following a set or predetermined way of doing things, without any originality or creativity

Often appears as...

  • done by numbers
  • played by numbers

Usage tips

Colloquial

adverb

In numerical order or in a series.

Please line up by numbers from one to ten.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - In numerical order or in a series

Often appears as...

  • line up by numbers
  • sort by numbers
adverb

Systematically, especially by using a numerical or statistical system.

The inventory items were categorized by numbers.
Visual representation of "by numbers" - Systematically, especially by using a numerical or statistical system

Often appears as...

  • categorized by numbers
  • organized by numbers
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "by numbers"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Lack Originality

Indicates doing something in a conventional, unimaginative way.

Illustration for Lack Originality
His painting was clearly done by numbers; no creative flair at all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Routine Tasks

Used for tasks completed without needing special skills.

Illustration for Routine Tasks
Filling out the forms is just work done by numbers.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Undistinguished

Suggests something is done in a standard way, without standing out.

Illustration for Undistinguished
Their dance performance was played by numbers and forgettable.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Lack Originality

Indicates doing something in a conventional, unimaginative way.

Illustration for Lack Originality
His painting was clearly done by numbers; no creative flair at all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Routine Tasks

Used for tasks completed without needing special skills.

Illustration for Routine Tasks
Filling out the forms is just work done by numbers.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Undistinguished

Suggests something is done in a standard way, without standing out.

Illustration for Undistinguished
Their dance performance was played by numbers and forgettable.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Lack Originality

Indicates doing something in a conventional, unimaginative way.

Illustration for Lack Originality
His painting was clearly done by numbers; no creative flair at all.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Routine Tasks

Used for tasks completed without needing special skills.

Illustration for Routine Tasks
Filling out the forms is just work done by numbers.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Undistinguished

Suggests something is done in a standard way, without standing out.

Illustration for Undistinguished
Their dance performance was played by numbers and forgettable.
Visual representation of the word "By numbers"

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