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For 'time-consuming', I tried http://thesaurus.com/browse/time-consuming.

For 'less time-consuming', I tried researching synonyms for 'productive' (http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/productive).

But none of the above results pertain to time.

Example of '(less) time-consuming' upon request:

As Googling each bus route (e.g. in Hong Kong, London) is too time-consuming, what are some less time-consuming methods to see all the bus routes on the same map?

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  • 2
    Protracted vs fleeting? If those aren't exactly what you're looking for, you might have better luck searching a thesaurus for them? Commented Jan 10, 2014 at 17:26
  • @KevinWorkman Why not make it an answer?
    – bib
    Commented Jan 10, 2014 at 17:53
  • @bib This was more an attempt to get more info and context from the OP rather than provide a definitive answer. I suppose I could delete the comment and post it as an answer if it bothers you. Commented Jan 10, 2014 at 17:57
  • Arduous is another.
    – Codeman
    Commented Jan 10, 2014 at 21:45
  • @JackRyan: I've updated my OP. Better?
    – user50720
    Commented Feb 28, 2014 at 7:23

4 Answers 4

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More Time-Consuming

I can perhaps offer a few alternatives, in this order:

  1. Protracted = drawn out considerably, particularly in time.
  2. Exhaustive = comprehensive or thorough, but draining.
  3. Laborious ~ (As above - @Preetie Sekhon)

Less Time-Consuming

Again, in this order:

  1. Transient = brief, not lasting very long at all.
  2. Ephemeral = lasting a very short time, very brief, transitory.
  3. Brief = very fast, short-lived.

Caution

Be careful with ephemeral in particular, because almost no one typically knows what that means. It is a very uncommon word.

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    Another one to add is arduous
    – Codeman
    Commented Jan 10, 2014 at 21:46
  • Very uncommon might be an overstatement. If anything I'd just say the problem is people can confuse it with ethereal.
    – Unrelated
    Commented Oct 28, 2016 at 14:30
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You could describe a time-consuming task as involved or potentially engrossing for something that might be involuntarily time-consuming.

For something less time-consuming, I would think easy, quick, or simple might work.

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More time consuming :

laborious

requiring considerable time and effort.

Cannot think of anything for requiring less time

effortless is something that does not require much energy or inputs.

Speedy done or occurring quickly , may also work, depending on the context.

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tedious (M-W):

boring and too slow or long

quick: this is obvious but here's a definition for completeness sake (M-W):

done or happening in a short amount of time

Your examples:

Inasmuch as it'd be tedious to Google each individually,

what are some quick ways to find bestselling French nonfiction (either originally written in or translated into French) which are available as audiobooks?

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