efficiency

noun ef·fi·cien·cy \ i-ˈfi-shən-sē \

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Examples: efficiency in a Sentence

Definition of efficiency

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 : efficiency apartment

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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 of efficiency from the Web

In his lone season at Texas Tech, Smith evolved into a capable perimeter scorer and became one of the key cogs in a Red Raiders defense that finished second nationally in adjusted efficiency.

— the si staff, SI.com, "2018 NBA Draft: Ranking Best Wings Available," 14 June 2018
Milwaukee's defense was the fourth best in the NBA during the 2014-'15 season but has been ranked 19th or worse in defensive efficiency each season since.

— matt velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bucks' new coach brings five assistants from Atlanta, keeps Sean Sweeney," 7 June 2018
The Hornets ended the 2015-16 season ninth in the league in offensive efficiency.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando Magic trust veteran Steve Clifford to lead franchise transformation," 31 May 2018
The Celtics ranked first in defensive efficiency as well as opponent 3-point percentage, second in opponent field goal percentage and third in points allowed during the regular season.

— chris fedor, cleveland.com, "Kyle Korver: 'I think Boston is better than Indiana'," 11 May 2018
The Dubs and Rockets were the top two teams on offense in the regular season, as well as in offensive efficiency.

— charles curtis, For The Win, "5 reasons Warriors-Rockets will be better than the NBA Finals," 9 May 2018
That means gasoline prices may need to rise significantly higher before Americans are willing to compromise on space for a slight edge in fuel efficiency.

— sean mclain, WSJ, "U.S. Car Buyers to Japan: We Don’t Want Your Sedans Anymore," 2 May 2018
Even Carroll’s primary personal activity, distance running, is basically an exercise in obsessive performance measurement and squeezing out tiny improvements in efficiency.

— joshua brustein, Bloomberg.com, "Impress the Algorithm. Get $250,000," 1 May 2018
Xavier's defenses ranked anywhere from 22nd to 76th nationally in efficiency in Mack's nine seasons there.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville basketball's defense under Chris Mack will look a lot more like an ACC foe's," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'efficiency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of efficiency

1633

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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efficiency Synonyms

EFFICIENCY Defined for English Language Learners

efficiency

noun

Definition of efficiency for English Language Learners

: the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy : the quality or degree of being efficient ( technical )