Efficient
/ɪˈfɪʃənt/
Definitions
Performing in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.
/ɪˈfɪʃənt/
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
The new factory is highly efficient, producing goods at a rapid pace.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to pack a suitcase. If you use every bit of space and get everything in quickly without making a mess, you are being efficient! It's about doing things well and saving time or energy.
👶 For kids: When something is efficient, it means it works really well and doesn't waste anything. Like when you build a tower with blocks, and it's tall and doesn't fall down!
More Examples
She is an efficient worker; she completes her tasks quickly and accurately.
We need to find more efficient ways to use our resources.
How It's Used
"The new software is designed to make the company's operations more efficient."
"An efficient engine converts fuel into power with minimal energy loss."
"Photosynthesis is an efficient process for converting sunlight into energy."
Idioms & expressions
efficient market hypothesis
The theory that share prices reflect all information and it is impossible to use information to 'beat the market'.
"The efficient market hypothesis is a cornerstone of modern financial theory."
From Latin *efficiens* (present participle of *efficere*, meaning 'to bring about, accomplish'), from *ex-* (out) + *facere* (to make, do). The word entered English in the 16th century.
The word 'efficient' gained significant popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution's emphasis on productivity.
Memory tip
Think of 'effort' and 'sufficient'. An efficient person or thing uses their efforts sufficiently to get the job done well.
Word Origin
"to accomplish, bring about, or produce"