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Definitions

efficient

[ih-fish-uhnt] / ɪˈfɪʃ ənt /
ADJECTIVE
capable, effective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
able active adept adequate capable competent decisive dynamic economical effective energetic potent powerful productive profitable skilled skillful tough useful valuable
WEAK
accomplished adapted apt businesslike clever conducive deft economic effectual efficacious equal to experienced expert familiar with fitted good at good for handy masterly organized practiced proficient qualified ready saving shrewd systematic talented virtuous well-organized
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delicate fragile idle impotent inactive inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inept lazy sluggish unable unskilled unskillful useless weak worthless
WEAK
helpless inefficient powerless

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.

His research shows that innovation occurs more quickly in larger populations with efficient ways of transmitting knowledge and a high tolerance for diversity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

"But physics doesn't change. The teardrop shape is very efficient from the aerodynamics perspective," said Hu.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

They continued switching back and forth between the options for longer and delayed committing to the more efficient choice.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Magyar's promise to build "a more humane, efficient country" resonates with all those fed up with the governing party, especially the young.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In his spare time Bloom had organized the ushers, checkers, and refreshment sellers into a more efficient, cohesive structure that greatly increased the theater’s profits and his own salary.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson