Efficient — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /i-ˈfi-shənt/ ef·fi·cient

Meaning & Definition of Efficient

Efficient (adjective)

  1. productive of desired effects; especially, capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials)
  2. being or involving the immediate agent in producing an effect

Efficient (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. producing or capable of producing a desired result

    "that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard"

    similar: effective, effectual, efficacious, fruitful, operative, potent, productive
    related: hyperefficient, ultraefficient, adequate, capable, competent, accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced, proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso, cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid, active, dynamic, useful, working, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable
    opposite: fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless
    near: counterproductive, incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, abortive, bootless, futile, vain, empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful, inoperative, worthless

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Efficient

The most common words with a similar meaning to Efficient:

effective, effectual, efficacious, fruitful, operative, potent, productive

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Efficient

Words with the opposite meaning of Efficient:

fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless

Related Words for Efficient

hyperefficient, ultraefficient, adequate, capable, competent, accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced, proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso, cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid, active, dynamic, useful, working, applicable

Near Antonyms of Efficient

counterproductive, incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, abortive, bootless, futile, vain, empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful, worthless

Origin & Etymology of Efficient

Middle English, "active, immediate (of a cause)," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin efficient-, efficiens "producing or giving rise to something, immediate (of a cause), active," from present participle of efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" effect:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Efficient

Words & Phrases Containing Efficient

cost-efficient, hyperefficient

Frequently Asked Questions about Efficient

What does "Efficient" mean?

"Efficient" means productive of desired effects; especially, capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials). As an adjective, it is defined as: productive of desired effects; especially, capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials).

What is another word for "Efficient"?

Other words for "Efficient" include effective, effectual, efficacious, fruitful, operative, potent and productive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Efficient" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Efficient"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Efficient". Common alternatives include effective, effectual, efficacious, fruitful, operative, potent and productive.

What is the opposite of "Efficient"?

Antonyms of "Efficient" include fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive and useless. Near antonyms include counterproductive, incapable, incompetent and inexperienced.

How do you use "Efficient" in a sentence?

Examples of "Efficient" in a sentence: "that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard".

Is "Efficient" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Efficient" is an adjective.

Is "Efficient" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Efficient" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Efficient"?

"Efficient" is pronounced /i-ˈfi-shənt/ and divided into syllables as ef·fi·cient.