Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

efficient

[ih-fish-uhnt] / ɪˈfɪʃ ənt /


Usage

What are other ways to say efficient? The adjective efficient, when applied to a person or a thing, implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager. Effective is applied to a person or a thing that has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective boss, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Conversely, "Humans are very efficient at making pizza."

From BBC Aug. 27, 2026

In that case I feel like it’s a tool that’s very efficient.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 27, 2026

Travel, in Piff’s view, is an efficient delivery system for awe.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 26, 2026

Technically, you have missed the most efficient window, which usually occurs after retirement and before Social Security and RMDs.

From MarketWatch Aug. 25, 2026

“Frank is the most efficient business manager I’ve ever met.”

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen




Vocabulary lists containing efficient


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training