efficient

/ɪˈfɪʃənt/
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Describes a person, process, system, or machine that gets useful results while using no more resources than needed.

Examples

  • She found an efficient way to organize the weekly orders.
  • The new heating system is far more efficient than the old one.
  • We were not efficient when every request needed three approvals.
  • The engine remained efficient even under heavy load.
  • Is public transport efficient enough for the morning commute?

Similar words

organized
economical
streamlined
competent
effective
capable
productive

Meanings

Good results with little waste

adjective
everyday
neutral
Working well and achieving the intended result without wasting time, energy, money, materials, or effort.

Examples

  • The new heating system is far more efficient than the old one.
  • She found an efficient way to organize the weekly orders.
  • Is public transport efficient enough for the morning commute?
  • The engine remained efficient even under heavy load.
  • We were not efficient when every request needed three approvals.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin efficiens, the present participle of efficere, meaning “to accomplish” or “to produce.” English developed the modern sense of productive work with little waste.

FAQ

What does efficient mean?

Efficient means working well and getting the intended result with little wasted time, effort, money, materials, or energy.

Can a person be efficient?

Yes. An efficient person completes useful work with little wasted time or effort.

What is the difference between efficient and effective?

Something effective gets the desired result. Something efficient gets that result while also limiting waste.

Which preposition commonly follows efficient?

Efficient often appears with at before an activity and in before a method or use, as in “efficient at scheduling” and “efficient in its use of fuel.”

What noun comes from efficient?

The related noun is efficiency, which names the quality or level of being efficient.

Where does efficient come from?

Efficient comes through Latin efficiens and efficere, words connected with accomplishing or producing something.

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