efficiency
ih-FIHSH-uhn-see
Efficiency (noun) means the quality of using time, energy, or resources well without unnecessary waste. Example: “The new software improved the factory's efficiency significantly.”
noun
1
The quality of using time, energy, or resources well without unnecessary waste.
"The new software improved the factory's efficiency significantly."
"She's known for her efficiency in managing a busy schedule."
"Switching to LED bulbs gave the school a big boost in energy efficiency."
2
A small self-contained apartment, typically with one main room.
"They rented an efficiency near campus to save money."
"After graduating, he lived in a tiny efficiency above a bakery."
"The building has several efficiencies that are popular with students on a tight budget."
How to use efficiency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting the most result out of the least waste of time, effort, or resources; also American English slang for a tiny one-room apartment.
UK vs US
"Efficiency" meaning a small apartment is chiefly American English; British English would usually say "studio flat."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
energy efficiency
improve efficiency
efficiency apartment
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Word forms
- Plural
- efficiencies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new software improved the factory's _____ significantly.
Etymology
From Latin efficientia, related to efficient.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for efficiency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
See all rhymes for efficiency →
Frequently asked questions
What does “efficiency” mean?
The word “efficiency” means the quality of using time, energy, or resources well without unnecessary waste. In plain terms, getting the most result out of the least waste of time, effort, or resources; also American English slang for a tiny one-room apartment.
How do you pronounce “efficiency”?
“Efficiency” is pronounced ih-FIHSH-uhn-see (/ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “efficiency” in a sentence?
Here is “efficiency” used in a sentence: “The new software improved the factory's efficiency significantly.”
What part of speech is “efficiency”?
“Efficiency” is a noun.
Where does the word “efficiency” come from?
The word “efficiency” comes from Latin. From Latin efficientia, related to efficient.
Is “efficiency” a common word?
“Efficiency” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “efficiency” have?
“Efficiency” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of using time, energy, or resources well without unnecessary waste.
What is the difference between efficiency and effectiveness?
Efficiency is about using time, energy, or resources well, without unnecessary waste; effectiveness is about actually producing the intended result. A process can be efficient but ineffective (fast and cheap but achieving the wrong outcome) or effective but inefficient (successful but wasteful). Ideally, a process is both.
What is the difference between efficiency and efficacy?
Efficacy means the ability to produce a desired result at all, and is common in scientific and medical contexts, such as the efficacy of a drug. Efficiency measures how well time, energy, or resources are used in producing that result. A treatment can have high efficacy but be delivered inefficiently.
What is an efficiency apartment?
In American English, an efficiency (or efficiency apartment) is a small self-contained apartment, typically with one main room that combines living and sleeping space. It is broadly similar to a studio apartment, and the term is common in US rental listings.
What is the difference between efficiency and productivity?
Productivity measures how much output is produced, often per hour or per worker, while efficiency measures how little waste is involved in producing it. Raising productivity means making more; raising efficiency means making the same amount with fewer resources. The two often improve together but are not identical.
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