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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.

Officials describe the update as a modernization effort intended to streamline outdated or redundant classifications and create a more efficient system for supporting service members’ religious needs.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

To be an efficient cushion for countries and companies, however, stockpiles need to be at “Goldilocks” levels: not too much, not too little.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

If successful, such systems could transform emergency oil spill response by converting ordinary fires into highly efficient cleanup tools.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

Investors have lately gone into a frenzy over a mundane piece of electrical equipment that they think will make data centers more efficient.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

It wasn’t the most efficient system, but Mr. Archie and his daughter, Anna, were always there to help you find what you needed.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles




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