efficient
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for efficient, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Achieving maximum results with minimum wasted time, effort, or resources.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use efficient
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin efficientem, "bringing about, accomplishing" — from the same root as effect and effective.
Full origin of efficient →Frequently asked questions
What does “efficient” mean?
The word “efficient” means achieving maximum results with minimum wasted time, effort, or resources. In plain terms, doing something well without wasting resources — the opposite of wasteful or sloppy.
How do you pronounce “efficient”?
“Efficient” is pronounced ih-FIH-shuhnt (/ɪˈfɪʃənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “efficient” in a sentence?
Here is “efficient” used in a sentence: “The new engine is far more fuel-efficient than the old model.”
What is another word for “efficient”?
Words with a similar meaning to “efficient” include economical, efficacious and potent.
What is the opposite of “efficient”?
The opposite of “efficient” — its antonyms — are inefficient, prodigal and uneconomical.
What part of speech is “efficient”?
“Efficient” is an adjective.
Where does the word “efficient” come from?
The word “efficient” comes from Latin. From Latin efficientem, "bringing about, accomplishing" — from the same root as effect and effective.
Is “efficient” a common word?
“Efficient” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between efficient and effective?
Effective means getting the intended result — doing the right thing. Efficient means getting it done with the least waste of time, effort, or resources — doing the thing economically. A method can be effective but slow and costly, or efficient yet aimed at the wrong goal. Ideally you want both.
What is an example of being efficient?
Finishing the same task in less time, or with less energy, money, or material. A fuel-efficient car travels farther on a gallon, and an efficient worker clears the same workload with fewer wasted steps. The outcome is as good or better, while the cost of achieving it is lower.
Is "efficient" a positive word?
Yes. Calling a person, machine, or process efficient is a compliment, praising good results achieved without waste. The one caution is that being efficient at the wrong task isn't much use, which is why efficiency is usually valued alongside effectiveness — doing the right thing well.
What is the opposite of efficient?
Inefficient — wasteful of time, effort, or resources, or slow to produce results. Related opposites include wasteful, disorganized, and uneconomical. An inefficient process uses more than it needs to achieve the same outcome, so improving efficiency means cutting that waste.