efficiency

[ih-fish-uhn-see]

noun

plural

efficiencies 

1. the state or quality of being efficient, or able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort; competency in performance.

2. accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.

   The assembly line increased industry's efficiency.

3. the ratio of the work done or energy developed by a machine, engine, etc., to the energy supplied to it, usually expressed as a percentage.

4. efficiency apartment.

efficiency

/ ɪˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality or state of being efficient; competence; effectiveness

2. the ratio of the useful work done by a machine, engine, device, etc, to the energy supplied to it, often expressed as a percentage See also thermal efficiency

efficiency

1. The ratio of the energy delivered (or work done) by a machine to the energy needed (or work required) in operating the machine. The efficiency of any machine is always less than one due to forces such as friction that use up energy unproductively.

2. See also mechanical advantage

3. The ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system.

Other Word Forms

• nonefficiency noun
• superefficiency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of efficiency¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin efficientia, from efficient- (stem of efficiēns efficient ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

“Any indication of more capacity/improved chip efficiency could be a catalyst,” he wrote.

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Through a rapid thermal annealing process, the team formed a highly curved graphene structure with controlled pathways that allow ions to move with exceptional speed and efficiency.

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This period is notable for rising efficiency in how signals move both within individual regions and across the whole brain.

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“This productivity plan is about taking the next, disciplined step to enhance efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance.”

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"Future competition will increasingly hinge upon cost control and supply-chain efficiency, and these are areas where China holds clear advantages," he told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• ability 
• adaptability 
• capability 
• competence 
• energy 
• expertise 
• performance 
• productivity 
• readiness 
• skill 
• talent