efficiency

ef-fi-cien-cy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state or quality of being efficient; the ability to accomplish something with the least waste of time, effort, or resources.

  2. 2.

    The ratio of useful work performed to the total energy expended.

  3. 3.

    (North American) A small apartment, typically with a combined living area and kitchen.

Forms

plural: efficiencies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    energy efficiency — the goal of reducing energy consumption
  • •
    fuel efficiency — the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel
  • •
    maximum efficiency — the highest possible productivity ratio

Related words

Antonyms: inefficiency, wastefulness
See also: effective, efficient, productivity
Synonyms: competence, effectiveness, productivity

Etymology

From Latin efficientia ("efficient power"), from efficiens, present participle of efficere ("to accomplish"), from ex- ("out") + facere ("to do, make").