English edit

Etymology edit

From Latin efficientia.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ɪˈfɪʃn̩si/
  • (file)

Noun edit

efficiency (countable and uncountable, plural efficiencies)

  1. The extent to which time is well used for the intended task.
    Antonyms: inefficiency, wastefulness
    The efficiency of the planning department is deplorable.
    • 1951 October, H. A. Vallance, “Across Denmark by Lyntog”, in Railway Magazine, page 658:
      Even at the busiest periods, an air of quiet orderliness pervades the hall, and the first impression gained by the traveller is one of efficiency, neatness and cleanliness.
    • 2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      The display and result must be placed in the context that was it was against a side that looked every bit their Fifa world ranking of 141 - but England completed the job with efficiency to record their biggest away win in 19 years.
  2. (dated) The quality of producing an effect or effects.
  3. The extent to which a resource is used for the intended purpose; the ratio of useful work to energy expended.
    Antonyms: inefficiency, wastefulness
    The efficiency of this loudspeaker is 40%.
  4. (US) A one-room apartment.
    Synonyms: efficiency apartment, studio apartment, (UK, Ireland) bedsit
    I have an efficiency available June through July.
    fully-furnished efficiencies

Hyponyms edit

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

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References edit