View synonyms for

efficacy

[ ef-i-kuh-see ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural efficacies.

the capacity for producing a desired result or effect:
Short, frequent periods of practice were shown to have greater efficacy than longer and less frequent ones.
a measure of the success of a vaccine or other pharmaceutical when used in the controlled environment of a clinical trial, as opposed to in the real world. Compare effectiveness ( def 3 ).

efficacy

/ ˈɛ��ɪ��ə��ɪ /

noun

the quality of being successful in producing an intended result; effectiveness

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Other Word Forms

�Դǲ�·��·�ھ�·��·�� noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of efficacy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin ��ڴھ��峦��, from ��ڴھ��峦- (stem of ��ڴھ�� ) “effective, effectual” + -ia, noun suffix; efficacious ( def ), -y ³( def )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

So absent a truly courageous governor, they can’t demonstrate the efficacy of their ideas.

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"It may have efficacy in politics, but it confuses the hell out of markets."

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But questions about the efficacy and usefulness of its consumer products have followed it almost from the start.

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In San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie has pledged to restructure the city’s homelessness services and take a critical look at the efficacy of city-funded nonprofits, including ones that offer supplies to drug users.

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The primary target of Kennedy’s cuts is the Food and Drug Administration, which works to ensure the safety and efficacy of foods, drugs, medical devices, tobacco and other regulated products.

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Related Words

efficacity efficiency

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