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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:

Meanwhile, the fridges themselves have been made more energy efficient.

From BBC Aug. 14, 2026

"We must make our waterways more efficient while simultaneously making ships suitable for times of low water," Bilger said Wednesday after talks with state transport ministers.

From Barron's Aug. 13, 2026

“This transaction adds to our decades-long commitment to the country and is another example of our ability to provide flexible, efficient capital solutions to leading businesses around the world,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 11, 2026

“They are a very efficient way to provide things such as 5G mobile data to customers across the states at a very efficient price,” he said.

From MarketWatch Aug. 11, 2026

Certainly rigid attention wasn’t the most efficient way to drive an automobile.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey




Vocabulary lists containing efficient


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