WordGarden.ioefficient
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪfˈɪʃənt/
US
- /ɪˈfɪʃənt/
Meanings
Adjective
working well with little wasted time, effort, money, or material
using a measured input such as energy, time, or computing resources with little waste
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny hummingbird moving from flower to flower with speed and precision. That gives you a good picture of this word. It means getting a strong result with little wasted time, effort, or money. It is about doing something well and without extra steps.
A chef who preps all the ingredients before cooking is being efficient. A car that uses little fuel for a long trip is efficient. A student who studies a little each week instead of waiting until the last night is efficient too. Sometimes the word describes how something is done, and sometimes it describes how well resources are used.
To be efficient means to perform an action or process in a way that achieves maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort, time, or resources. It's not just about speed; it's about smart work. Think of a well-oiled machine—every part works together seamlessly to accomplish a task without friction or delay. That's efficiency in action.
The concept applies across many areas of life. In business, an efficient company streamlines its operations to reduce costs and increase profits. In science, an efficient engine converts more energy into useful work. And in everyday life, an efficient person manages their time effectively, prioritizes tasks, and avoids unnecessary distractions.
Efficiency isn't always about doing things faster; sometimes it's about finding the best way to do something, even if it takes a little longer upfront. For example, taking the time to properly organize your workspace might seem slow at first, but it will ultimately save you time and frustration in the long run.
You'll often hear "efficiency" discussed alongside concepts like productivity, optimization, and streamlining. It's a key principle for success in almost any field—from personal habits to global industries. So, if something is done efficiently, rest assured that it was accomplished with skill, purpose, and minimal waste.
Examples
- 1
Ticket machines
The new ticket machines are much more efficient than the old ones.
- 2
Management
She's an efficient manager who answers emails quickly and keeps meetings short.
- 3
Transport
Taking the train is often the most efficient way to get into the city.
- 4
Customer support
Our team is small, but we're very efficient at solving customer problems.
- Patternefficient at + activity
good at doing it quickly and well
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Restaurant space
Good restaurants make efficient use of their kitchen space.
- Patternmake efficient use of + resource
use it well, without wasting it
- 6
Hiring process
The company is looking for a more efficient process for hiring new staff.
- 7
Appliances
This washing machine is quiet, reliable, and energy-efficient.
- Phraseenergy-efficient
using little energy
- 8
Project work
We need to be more efficient if we want to finish the project on time.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- cost-effective
- time-saving
- lean
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- efficient use of resources
- energy-efficient
- efficient system
- efficient workflow
Word family
Explore
- optimization
- process improvement
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- efficientadjective