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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.

Efficient freight rail acts as a foundational shock absorber for national supply chains and a shield protecting the global competitiveness of our exporters.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

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

For instance, you can get a Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for $600 when you add new natural-gas, propane or oil furnaces, hot-water boilers and air-conditioning units, if they meet certain energy-efficiency standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 21, 2025

Efficient, high-speed hydrogen movement in these fuel cells requires water, meaning that the membrane must be continually hydrated so that it does not dry out.

From Science Daily • Dec. 22, 2023

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

From "Paradise on Fire" by Jewell Parker Rhodes




Vocabulary lists containing efficient


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