Synonyms of efficient

efficient

adjective

i-ˈfi-shənt 

as in effective

producing or capable of producing a desired result

that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effective
• productive
• potent
• adequate
• efficacious
• effectual
• fruitful
• operative
• useful
• capable
• practical
• skilled
• proficient
• competent
• adept
• convincing
• practiced
• skillful
• expert
• practised
• experienced
• useable
• feasible
• hyperefficient
• cogent
• dynamic
• practicable
• valid
• active
• accomplished
• striking
• veteran
• ultraefficient
• functional
• masterly
• telling
• usable
• workable
• realizable
• killer
• sound
• consummate
• applicable
• versed
• virtuoso
• working

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inefficient
• ineffective
• useless
• unproductive
• ineffectual
• incapable
• fruitless
• inoperative
• incompetent
• counterproductive
• unskilled
• inexperienced
• unqualified
• vain
• futile
• unfruitful
• unsuccessful
• empty
• idle
• hollow
• abortive
• unprofitable
• pointless
• worthless
• unskillful
• inexpert
• unseasoned
• inoperative
• unavailing
• bootless

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective efficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective, effectual, and efficacious. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

In what contexts can effective take the place of efficient?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficient?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Where would efficacious be a reasonable alternative to efficient?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of efficient

Chuba Hubbard has been effective, but the Panthers' offense remains one of the least efficient in the league. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025

The next step is to hold a second set of meetings to find ways to make inspections more efficient, said Geiler, suggesting those meetings could start next month. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025

Fortunato installed two of these efficient water heaters — one for hot water and another to supply radiators that heat the home — in his garage, which gets plenty of heat from the sun. —Jeff Brady, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025

Edwards was an efficient 19 of 24 for 205 yards passing. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025