adj
efficient
ih-FIH-shuhnt
adj
1
Achieving maximum results with minimum wasted time, effort, or resources.
"The new engine is far more fuel-efficient than the old model."
"She's an efficient worker who never wastes a minute."
How to Use Efficient
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something well without wasting resources — the opposite of wasteful or sloppy.
Common mistake
Efficient is about minimizing waste; effective is about achieving the goal at all. Something can be effective without being efficient, and vice versa.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
energy efficient
time efficient
highly efficient
Word Forms
more efficient comparative, efficients plural, most efficient superlative
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The new engine is far more fuel-_____ than the old model.
Etymology
From Latin efficientem, "bringing about, accomplishing" — from the same root as effect and effective.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for efficient
orient
ancient
patient
salient
ambient
lenient
obedient
nutrient
gradient
sentient
impatient
transient
See all rhymes for efficient →