Definitions for efficientɪˈfɪʃ ənt

ADVERTISEMENT

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ef•fi•cient*ɪˈfɪʃ ənt(adj.)

  1. performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort; competent; capable:

    an efficient secretary.

  2. satisfactory and economical to use:

    a more efficient air conditioner.

  3. producing an effect, as a cause; causative.

  4. using a given product or resource with maximum efficiency (used in combination):

    a fuel-efficient engine.

    Category: Common Vocabulary, Business

* Syn: See effective.

Origin of efficient:

1350–1400; ME (< MF) < L efficient-, s. of efficiēns

ef•fi′cient•ly(adv.)

Princeton's WordNet

  1. efficient(adj)

    being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

    "an efficient production manager"; "efficient engines save gas"

  2. effective, efficient(adj)

    able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively

    "people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons..."-G.B.Shaw; "effective personnel"; "an efficient secretary"; "the efficient cause of the revolution"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. efficient(adjective)ɪˈfɪʃ ənt

    well-organized and effective

    a job which requires you to be efficient and reliable

  2. efficientɪˈfɪʃ ənt

    using resources economically

    an efficient electrical system; energy-efficient lighting

Wiktionary

  1. efficient(Adjective)

    Making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy.

  2. efficient(Adjective)

    Using a particular proportion of available energy.

    The motor is only 20% efficient at that temperature.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Efficient(noun)

    causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or incapable; characterized by energetic and useful activity; as, an efficient officer, power

  2. Efficient(noun)

    an efficient cause; a prime mover


Translations for efficient

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary

efficient(adjective)

(of a person) capable; skilful

a very efficient secretary.

Get even more translations for efficient »


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"efficient." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 25 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/efficient>.


The Web's Largest Resource for

Definitions & Translations


A Member Of The STANDS4 Network


Nearby & related entries:

Alternative searches for efficient: