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

Derived Forms

• efˈficiently, adverb

Other Words From

• ef·fi·cient·ly adverb
• non·ef·fi·cient adjective
• qua·si-ef·fi·cient adjective
• su·per·ef·fi·cient adjective
• un·ef·fi·cient 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

“What the president is committed to doing is making sure that this transition is effective, efficient,” Jean-Pierre said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We've known for many years that fungi are nature's degraders," said Hill-Maini, noting that fungi used to reduce streams of food waste could be the "most efficient way to convert waste into human food."

From Salon

“We know freeways are critical to efficient routing across large service areas, and we’ll continue diligent testing to offer freeway routes to our riders in the future,” Bonelli said.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple spoke to multiple consultants, but Mrs Peace found the advice they received was often geared towards meeting Passivhaus standards – an ultra-energy efficient type of building.

From BBC

One entrepreneur who has noticed a knowledge gap in the market is James Major, founder and chief executive of HubbPro, which helps architects plan energy efficient buildings.

From BBC

Related Words

• able
• active
• adept
• adequate
• capable
• competent
• decisive
• dynamic
• economical
• effective
• energetic
• potent
• powerful
• productive
• profitable
• skilled
• skillful
• tough
• useful
• valuable