efficiency

noun

ef·​fi·​cien·​cy i-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce efficiency (audio)
plural efficiencies
1
: the quality or degree of being efficient
2
a
: efficient operation
b(1)
: effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost (as in energy, time, and money)
(2)
: the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it
3

Examples of efficiency in a Sentence

Because of her efficiency, we got all the work done in a few hours. The factory was operating at peak efficiency. A furnace with 80 percent fuel efficiency wastes 20 percent of its fuel. The company is trying to lower costs and improve efficiencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The commission said the decision is meant to enhance player engagement, improve services and protect both efficiency and data security. James Powel, USA Today, 14 June 2025 At its core, this shift reframes bioenergetics as leadership currency: a founder's ability to perform under pressure, think clearly and lead with emotional resilience is directly tied to cellular efficiency. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Depending on the altitude, fuel, and engine efficiency pre jet planes sometimes did leave contrails. Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for efficiency

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin efficientia, from efficient-, efficiens "producing or giving rise to something, immediate (of a cause), efficient" + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of efficiency was in 1633

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Efficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efficiency. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

efficiency

noun
ef·​fi·​cien·​cy i-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce efficiency (audio)
plural efficiencies
1
: the quality or degree of being efficient
2
: efficient operation
3
: the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a machine to the energy supplied to it

More from Merriam-Webster on efficiency

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