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 Doctors, nurses, and patients around the world rely on our intelligent telehealth edge devices and virtual nursing, observation, and engagement applications to enhance clinical insights, patient safety, and efficiency. Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 In announcing the job cuts, the companies cited similar themes around productivity and efficiency. Alex Tanzi, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Baylor enters fourth in the country in 3-point FG% (39.7) and fifth in offensive efficiency (122.9), while ranking second in the Big 12 in points per game (81.6). ... Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 Join 23 others in the comments View Comments The swiftness of the attack may reflect Starboard’s skill and efficiency as a predator, which could be a response to the stress of spending time hunting close to shorelines in areas where humans are abundant, the study suggested. Katie Hunt, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Whether through rigorous schedules, strategic efficiency, life balance, or unique personal approaches, success on the CPA exam is achievable through various paths. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Crafting a comprehensive policy to govern these interactions is key to maintaining efficiency, transparency and employee satisfaction. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 This time around, Colorado had the offense efficiency but couldn’t get quite that last stop to complete the comeback. Matthew Coles, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Large language models are an input/output efficiency machine. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'efficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near efficiency

Cite this Entry

“Efficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efficiency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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