efficiency

[ ih-fish-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural ef·fi·cien·cies.

1. the state or quality of being efficient, or able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort; competency in performance.
2. accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort:

   The assembly line increased industry's efficiency.

3. the ratio of the work done or energy developed by a machine, engine, etc., to the energy supplied to it, usually expressed as a percentage.
4. efficiency apartment.

efficiency

/ ɪˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality or state of being efficient; competence; effectiveness
2. the ratio of the useful work done by a machine, engine, device, etc, to the energy supplied to it, often expressed as a percentage See also thermal efficiency

efficiency

/ ĭ-fĭsh′ən-sē /

1. The ratio of the energy delivered (or work done) by a machine to the energy needed (or work required) in operating the machine. The efficiency of any machine is always less than one due to forces such as friction that use up energy unproductively.
2. See also mechanical advantage
3. The ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system.

Other Words From

• nonef·ficien·cy noun
• super·ef·ficien·cy noun plural superefficiencies

Word History and Origins

Origin of efficiency¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Latin efficientia, from efficient- (stem of efficiēns efficient ) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

However, the quantum properties of the fuel would be adjusted for peak efficiency using an existing process known as spin polarization.

From Science Daily

This collaborative study initiated by the University of Surrey identifies previously hidden mechanisms that contribute to both efficiency and stability losses and addresses these challenges, helping the scientific community to advance this technology.

From Science Daily

The Janus crystals capture humidity from humid air with the highest-to-date water collection efficiency.

From Science Daily

Hunter Swisher, a 2016 Penn State alumnus, is the founder and chief executive officer of Phospholutions, a fertilizer formulated to increase phosphorus efficiency in the soil.

From Science Daily

The Department of Transportation has nearly 55,000 workers and leads the country’s safety, sustainability and efficiency efforts with regard to travel and transport.

From BBC

Related Words

• ability
• adaptability
• capability
• competence
• energy
• expertise
• performance
• productivity
• readiness
• skill
• talent