efficient

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.

“Efficient” is pronounced ih-FIH-shuhnt (/ɪˈfɪʃənt/ in IPA).

Here is “efficient” used in a sentence: “The new engine is far more fuel-efficient than the old model.”

Words with a similar meaning to “efficient” include economical, efficacious and potent.

The opposite of “efficient” — its antonyms — are inefficient, prodigal and uneconomical.

“Efficient” is an adjective.

The word “efficient” comes from Latin. From Latin efficientem, "bringing about, accomplishing" — from the same root as effect and effective.

“Efficient” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.