efficacy

American  

[ef-i-kuh-see] / ˈɛf ɪ kə si /

Sometimes efficacity

noun

plural

efficacies

1. the capacity for producing a desired result or effect.

   Short, frequent periods of practice were shown to have greater efficacy than longer and less frequent ones.

2. a measure of the success of a vaccine or other pharmaceutical when used in the controlled environment of a clinical trial, as opposed to in the real world.

---

efficacy British  

/ ˈɛfɪkəsɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being successful in producing an intended result; effectiveness

---

Other Word Forms

• nonefficacy noun

Etymology

Origin of efficacy

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin efficācia, from efficāc- (stem of efficāx ) “effective, effectual” + -ia, noun suffix; efficacious ( def. ), -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

But there are concerns about the efficacy of the testing protocols.

From Los Angeles Times

Patients in the study showed “statistically significant, clinically meaningful and durable efficacy across all key motor function measures” three years after treatment, Sarepta said.

From Barron's

Ninety-five percent of CEOs who responded to a December Stagwell survey said they viewed the technology as transformative, while 78% said they were bullish on how AI would impact workplace efficacy.

From MarketWatch

One example is the pharmaceutical industry, where quantum computing can quickly process data and predict the efficacy of potential new drugs, significantly streamlining the research and development process.

From Science Daily

"It's critical that we have both to maximize the efficacy and flexibility of off-the-shelf therapies."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• adequacy
• competence
• effectiveness
• potency
• virtue