efficiency

[ ih-fish-uhn-see ]

noun

plural efficiencies.

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 Word Forms

• 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

The government has recommended a 2.8% pay rise for teachers and expects most schools will need to make "efficiencies" to fund it.

From BBC

A turbo would make more sense in terms of efficiency, which is an important consideration, but it would have an impact on the engine's sound.

From BBC

At present, the government expects, external that most schools will have to make "efficiencies" in order to afford the additional cost.

From BBC

That’s how you get the mass dismissal of IRS workers, which will cost the government $500 billion in revenue, presented as an example of conservative efficiency.

From Salon

At present, the government expects most schools will have to make "efficiencies" to afford the additional cost.

From BBC

Related Words

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