efficient

[ ih-fish-uhnt ]
/ ɪˈfɪʃ ənt /

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.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU GUESS THESE WORDS FROM AROUND THE US?

American English is not always as it appears to be ... get to know regional words in this quiz!
Question 1 of 10
A bet is synonymous with a wager, but what does it mean in New York?

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

synonym study for efficient

1. See effective.

OTHER WORDS FROM efficient

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for efficient

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