Dictionary.com

efficient

[ ih-fish-uhnt ]
/ ɪˈfɪʃ ənt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: efficient / efficiently on Thesaurus.com

adjective
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.
satisfactory and economical to use: Our new air conditioner is more efficient than our old one.
producing an effect, as a cause; causative.
utilizing a particular commodity or product with the least waste of resources or effort (usually used in combination): a fuel-efficient engine.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of efficient

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, do1 ” + -ent- -ent

OTHER WORDS FROM efficient

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

How to use efficient in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for efficient

efficient
/ (ɪˈfɪʃənt) /

adjective
functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent
philosophy producing a direct effect; causative

Derived forms of efficient

efficiently, adverb

Word Origin for efficient

C14: from Latin efficiēns effecting
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK