efficiency
Pluralefficiencies (some meanings)
- 1How well something uses a resource without wasting it.
Like getting the most fruit from a tree without letting any fall and rot.
The factory uses less material now, which shows good efficiency.
Saving water and power improves the efficiency of the whole building.
Similarproductivity, effectiveness, economy
Oppositeinefficiency, wastefulness
Note
- 2How well someone uses their time to get a task done.
Like doing your homework quickly and well, so you still have time to play.
She finished early because she works with great efficiency.
Planning your day adds efficiency and saves time.
Similarproductivity
Oppositeinefficiency, wastefulness
Note
- 3How much useful work you get out compared to the energy you put in.
Like a water wheel that turns most of the river's push into motion, with only a little splashing away.
This engine has high efficiency because it wastes very little fuel.
Solar panels with better efficiency turn more sunlight into power.
Oppositeinefficiency, wastefulness
Note
- 4A small apartment that has just one main room.
Like a single room where you cook, sleep, and relax all in one place.
They rented an efficiency near the college to save money.
The efficiency was small but cheap and close to work.
Similarbedsit
Note
Less common meaning
- 5The power to make something happen or have an effect.
Like how well a key works to open a lock.
The old remedy was praised for its efficiency against fever.
The manner of this divine efficiency being far above us.
1594, Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical PolitieHere, efficiency means the power to make things happen or have an effect.Similarefficacy, effectiveness, potency, power
Oppositeineffectiveness, impotence
Note
Practice
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Origin
From Latin efficientia. It comes from 'efficient' plus '-cy'.