efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfi-shən-sē 
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
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
The program conducts annual performance reviews and sets a caseload cap of 80 to preserve efficiency and quality for its attorneys.
—
Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Ephesus, Turkey — The security lines at the entrance move with airport-like efficiency.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Extending that coverage to full humanoid bodies would require not only significant advances in manufacturing, but improvements in power efficiency and data processing, as well.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
The researchers are now working towards scaling up the system, improving energy efficiency, and partnering with industry to test real-world applications.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
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Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Ephesus, Turkey — The security lines at the entrance move with airport-like efficiency.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Extending that coverage to full humanoid bodies would require not only significant advances in manufacturing, but improvements in power efficiency and data processing, as well.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
The researchers are now working towards scaling up the system, improving energy efficiency, and partnering with industry to test real-world applications.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
Cite this Entry
“Efficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efficiency. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfish-ən-sē
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
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