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View synonyms for

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:

  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

/ ɪˈɪʃəԳ /

adjective

  1. functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent
  2. philosophy producing a direct effect; causative
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈھԳٱ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ھ·Գ· adverb
  • ԴDz··ھ·Գ adjective
  • ܲ·-·ھ·Գ adjective
  • ···ھ·Գ adjective
  • ܲ··ھ·Գ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of efficient1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin efficient- (stem of ڴھŧԲ ), equivalent to ef- ef- + fic-, combining form of facere “to make, do 1 ” + -ent- -ent
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Word History and Origins

Origin of efficient1

C14: from Latin ڴھŧԲ effecting
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The BHC argues the most efficient support the government could offer is through halving VAT for salons, because staff wages make up 60% of their costs.

From

According to ORR policies, they made sure children were released “in a safe, efficient, manner without unnecessary delay.”

From

In those markets, as famously illustrated by Adam Smith’s “invisible hand,” thoughtful buyers and sellers create efficient outcomes as a result of their pursuit of personal profit.

From

Mr Jackson said it could make the overall system more efficient and reduce the amount of network upgrades needed to shift the electricity from where it's generated to where it's consumed.

From

“Like everything else, we’re fixing a lot of problems, trying to be efficient,” he said.

From

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When To Use

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 .

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efficiency expertefficient cause