efficiency

noun

ef·fi·cien·cy | \i-ˈfi-shən-sē

plural efficiencies

Definition of efficiency

1 : the quality or degree of being efficient

2a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about efficiency

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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 on the Web

At that level too, a smart controller will be optimizing all its varied resources, seeking efficiency and self-sufficiency. — David Roberts, Vox, "Clean energy technologies threaten to overwhelm the grid. Here’s how it can adapt.," 30 Nov. 2018 The effort is seen bringing more efficiency to the market for lithium, a key ingredient in the rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles and gadgets such as smartphones and laptops. — Scott Patterson, WSJ, "Lithium Boom Raises Question: What Is Its Price?," 27 Nov. 2018 Ryan views the shift toward retail augmentation less about relentless efficiency, and more about relieving employees of boring, burdensome, rote work while giving them the tools and confidence to have better interactions with customers. — Patrick Sisson, Vox, "In Walmart’s virtual reality simulation, Black Friday never ends," 15 Nov. 2018 Working on efficiency projects with the people who hold companies’ purse strings may allow consultants to cross sell big marketing projects. — Stephen Wilmot, WSJ, "Tech Consultants Are the New Mad Men," 9 Nov. 2018 The home also boasts a koi pond, outdoor shower, mature redwood grove, and zoned high-efficiency heating and air. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Midcentury modern with Roman-inspired atrium asks $809K," 8 Nov. 2018 Administration officials say waiving the tougher fuel efficiency requirements would make vehicles more affordable, which would get safer cars into consumer hands more quickly. — Tom Krisher, The Seattle Times, "GM proposes nationwide zero-emissions vehicle sales mandate," 27 Oct. 2018 As one of the few Android phones that doesn’t use a Snapdragon chip, Huawei has an Apple-like level of optimization and architecture in the Mate 20s, with promised speed and power efficiency that blow away last year’s models. — Michael Simon, PCWorld, "Huawei Mate 20 Mate 20 Pro hands on: Enter the Matrix with the do-it-all Android phones," 16 Oct. 2018 Sunken door handles benefit aerodynamic efficiency. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "In Defense of Elon Musk," 16 Oct. 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.

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Last Updated

5 Dec 2018

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The first known use of efficiency was in 1633

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More Definitions for efficiency

efficiency

noun

English Language Learners Definition of efficiency

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

See the full definition for efficiency in the English Language Learners Dictionary

efficiency

noun

ef·fi·cien·cy | \i-ˈfi-shən-sē

plural efficiencies