Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

efficient

Pronunciation: /ɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/
Translate efficient | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of efficient

adjective

  • 1(of a system or machine) achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense:more efficient processing of information
  • [in combination] preventing the wasteful use of a particular resource:an energy-efficient heating system
  • 2(of a person) working in a well-organized and competent way: an efficient administrator

Derivatives

efficiently

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'making, causing', usually in efficient cause): from Latin efficient- 'accomplishing', from the verb efficere (see effect). The current sense dates from the late 18th century

efficient in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of efficient in the US English dictionary

Reference to efficient in Language Resources

  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

logomachy

/ ləˈgɒməki /
noun
an argument about words …