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

England were excellent, efficient and managed the emotion of a massive occasion.

From BBC

Buffalo should win comfortably at home with an efficient performance on offense.

From Los Angeles Times

Most of all, the right-hander was also efficient, needing only 91 throws to work past the fifth inning for the first time this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Raising the bridge to 211 feet would accommodate the next generation of cargo ships, which will be larger and more energy efficient, Seroka said.

From Los Angeles Times

The leader says his party will deliver a balanced budget with a focus on more efficient delivery of day-to-day services.

From BBC

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.