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

Staff at Neighbourhood Woof, a Delhi-based NGO, say sterilisation drives are far more efficient when local caregivers are involved.

From BBC

For context, Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson was the Premier League's most efficient last season for goals prevented with a tally of 4.4.

From BBC

Communications Minister Anika Wells said there was "no one-size-fits-all solution", that the report showed age checks could be "private, efficient and effective".

From BBC

Studies show that hot days make working and studying less efficient and a good night's sleep more difficult to achieve.

From BBC

They closed the second quarter with a 47-44 lead, fueled by efficient shooting and steady defense.

From Los Angeles Times

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.