efficient

[ih-fish-uh nt] /ɪˈfɪʃ ənt/

adjective

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.

satisfactory and economical to use:

Our new air conditioner is more efficient than our old one.

producing an effect, as a cause; causative.

utilizing a particular commodity or product with the least waste of resources or effort (usually used in combination):

a fuel-efficient engine.

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English (< Middle French) < Latin efficient- (stem of efficiēns), equivalent to ef- ef- + fic-, combining form of facere to make, do¹ + -ent- -ent

Related forms

efficiently, adverb

nonefficient, adjective

nonefficiently, adverb

quasi-efficient, adjective

quasi-efficiently, adverb

superefficient, adjective

unefficient, adjective

Synonyms

1. effectual. See effective.

Examples from the web for efficient

Durable furnishings and well-organized tools and materials are key to a small but efficient workspace.
The learning-sciences literature has demonstrated that learning is more efficient and effective in such groups.
The results revealed that human skulls, far from being weak, are quite tough and unusually efficient for their size.
It remains to be seen how weather conditions affect the air flows that make formation flight more efficient.
In my opinion, it would prove to be a very efficient strategy.
Everyone moans about the poor efficiency of solar cells, but very little money has been spent in making them more efficient.
Homeschooling will likely be more efficient for my kids.
Skill is the ability to make efficient decisions in new situations.
Everything in her life is organized, minimal, and efficient.
Plan details carefully to make efficient use of small spaces.

British Dictionary definitions for efficient

efficient

/ɪˈfɪʃənt/

adjective

functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent

(philosophy) producing a direct effect; causative

Derived Forms

efficiently, adverb

Word Origin

C14: from Latin efficiēns effecting

Word Origin and History for efficient

adj.

"capable of producing the desired effect," late 14c., "making, producing immediate effect," from Old French efficient and directly from Latin efficientem (nominative efficiens) "effective, efficient, producing, active," present participle of efficere "work out, accomplish" (see effect). Meaning "productive, skilled" is from 1787. Related: Efficiently.