efficient

[ih-fish-uhnt]

adjective

1. performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort; having and using requisite knowledge, skill, and industry; competent; capable.

   a reliable, efficient assistant.

   Synonyms: effectual

2. satisfactory and economical to use.

   Our new air conditioner is more efficient than our old one.

3. producing an effect, as a cause; causative.

4. utilizing a particular commodity or product with the least waste of resources or effort (usually used in combination).

   a fuel-efficient engine.

efficient

/ ɪˈfɪʃənt /

adjective

1. functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent

2. philosophy producing a direct effect; causative

Other Word Forms

• efficiently adverb
• nonefficient adjective
• quasi-efficient adjective
• superefficient adjective
• unefficient adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of efficient¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin efficient- (stem of efficiēns ), equivalent to ef- ef- + fic-, combining form of facere “to make, do ¹ ” + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of efficient¹

C14: from Latin efficiēns effecting

Example Sentences

He said Ukraine was "ready for constructive, honest and efficient work".

Read more on BBC

But she added that suppliers could help with efficient appliances, tailoring the tariff to customers' needs or ensuring people were on the correct benefits.

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Spare production capacity, while it may not be larger than before, looks more comfortable in an energy system that has become more efficient.

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The researchers estimate that the ultrasonic method is 45 times more efficient than relying on solar heat when extracting water from the same material.

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Enel has been trying to be more efficient and is buying back shares, while most U.S. utilities issue shares to fund operations.

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Related Words

• able 
• active 
• adept 
• adequate 
• capable 
• competent 
• decisive 
• dynamic 
• economical 
• effective 
• energetic 
• potent 
• powerful 
• productive 
• profitable 
• skilled 
• skillful 
• tough 
• useful 
• valuable 

When To Use

What are other ways to say efficient?

A person or a thing that is efficient performs or functions in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort. But efficient isn’t quite the same as effectual, efficacious, or effective! Find out why on Thesaurus.com.