efficiently
Americanadverb
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in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort; capably or competently.
Getting this many people to pass information among themselves efficiently, let alone come up with a coherent plan that everybody understands, requires practice.
-
in a satisfactory and economical way.
The product they are donating will give our volunteers the proper materials to build our homes as efficiently as possible.
-
in a way that utilizes a particular resource with the least waste (usually used in combination).
The lighter your car is, the more fuel-efficiently it will drive.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of efficiently
Explanation
If you do something efficiently, you do it productively and quickly. When your dentist efficiently examines your teeth, you are grateful because he does a good job and it's all over quickly. The adverb efficiently has origins in the Latin word efficere, meaning "work out, accomplish." Efficiently can describe any action that's done without wasting time, effort, or materials — and still manages to produce the desired outcome. Today people are using power, fuel, and water more efficiently to conserve natural resources. As a project manager, you efficiently manage your projects so they stay on schedule and under budget.
Vocabulary lists containing efficiently
myPerspectives 7.4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Ryan’s eyes, agents could ultimately help move client money for tax-loss harvesting and other goals more efficiently, leaving less cash sitting around for companies like brokerages to turn into their own profits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
Instead, those compounds are useful reference points because they are familiar examples of molecules that absorb light very efficiently.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026
He urged motorists to drive as efficiently as possible and to ensure they find the cheapest forecourts they can.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
The moisture in the air prevents the body from efficiently sweating which is needed to regulate the body’s temperature, Benmarhnia said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Hannie is marching efficiently at the front in her German Red Cross uniform and the rest of us follow as quickly and confidently as we can manage.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
