Engineering English
Induced Drag
Aerospace Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: Induced drag is the drag created as a direct consequence of generating lift, arising from the downwash behind a finite wing. It is inversely proportional to aspect ratio and increases at lower airspeeds and higher lift coefficients.
Example in context
“To reduce induced drag during takeoff, the pilot extends flaps to increase the effective aspect ratio at low speed.”
“Kalkış sırasında indüklenen sürüklemeyi azaltmak için pilot, düşük hızda etkin en boy oranını artırmak üzere kanatçıkları açar.”
Where engineers use it
Induced drag is a fundamental concept in aerodynamics, especially during climb and slow flight. Engineers consider it when designing winglets or optimizing span loading to improve fuel efficiency. It directly affects range and payload performance.
Synonyms: lift-induced drag, drag due to lift
Antonyms: parasitic drag
Practice: can you use “Induced Drag” at work?
You are tasked with improving the fuel efficiency of a regional turboprop. The current wing has an aspect ratio of 9. Propose two modifications that would reduce induced drag and explain the trade-offs.
Show a model answer
“Induced drag is highest at low speed and high angle of attack.”
“Induced Drag” in 21 languages
| English | Induced Drag |
|---|---|
| Turkish | indüklenen sürükleme |
| French | traînée induite |
| German | induzierter Widerstand |
| Spanish | resistencia inducida |
| Chinese | 诱导阻力 |
| Arabic | السحب المستحث |
| Portuguese | arrasto induzido |
| Russian | индуктивное сопротивление |
| Japanese | 誘導抗力 |
| Italian | resistenza indotta |
| Vietnamese | lực cản cảm ứng |
| Hindi | प्रेरित ड्रैग |
| Thai | แรงต้านเหนี่ยวนำ |
| Indonesian | hambatan induksi |
| Korean | 유도 항력 |
| Bengali | প্ররোচিত ড্র্যাগ |
| Dutch | geïnduceerde weerstand |
| Swedish | inducerat motstånd |
| Finnish | indusoitu vastus |
| Ukrainian | індуктивний опір |
Frequently asked questions
What does Induced Drag mean in engineering?
Induced drag is the drag created as a direct consequence of generating lift, arising from the downwash behind a finite wing. It is inversely proportional to aspect ratio and increases at lower airspeeds and higher lift coefficients. In Aerospace Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Induced Drag?
Induced Drag is pronounced /ɪnˈdjuːst dræɡ/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Induced Drag used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “To reduce induced drag during takeoff, the pilot extends flaps to increase the effective aspect ratio at low speed.”
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