efficiency

noun

ef·​fi·​cien·​cy i-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce efficiency (audio)
plural efficiencies
Synonyms of efficiencynext
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.
Factory test results further strengthened the case, as Inlyte reported round-trip efficiency of 83%, including auxiliary loads, placing the system on par with high-end lithium-ion installations and well above the performance typically seen in many other long-duration energy storage technologies. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025 Using dryer sheets for every load can affect the operating efficiency of your dryer. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to overhaul the country's air traffic control system in an effort to reduce outages and improve efficiency. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025 Fisch typically runs a pass-first offense, demanding high efficiency from his quarterbacks in a balanced spread offense. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Dec. 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 14 Dec. 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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