Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

efficient

[ih-fish-uhnt] / ɪˈfɪʃ ənt /
ADJECTIVE
capable, effective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
able active adept adequate capable competent decisive dynamic economical effective energetic potent powerful productive profitable skilled skillful tough useful valuable
WEAK
accomplished adapted apt businesslike clever conducive deft economic effectual efficacious equal to experienced expert familiar with fitted good at good for handy masterly organized practiced proficient qualified ready saving shrewd systematic talented virtuous well-organized
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delicate fragile idle impotent inactive inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inept lazy sluggish unable unskilled unskillful useless weak worthless
WEAK
helpless inefficient powerless

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.

Efficient urban planning has transformed what was once an island of fishing villages into a gleaming metropolis of high-rises.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

The audits—which typically cost between $300 and $500—are themselves eligible for a tax credit of $150 via the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 21, 2025

The findings are presented in the paper titled "Efficient Aerial Water Harvesting with Self-Sensing Dynamic Janus Crystals," recently published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024

"We are going to reactivate the economy with public investment in infrastructure. Efficient public investment attracts foreign investment, activates the economy and pushes the private sector to create dignified employment," she said.

From Reuters • Aug. 15, 2023

Efficient, we’re moving more quickly to the bank.

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Vocabulary lists containing efficient

List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Labor Day Lexicon: Words That Put You To Work

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!