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

Over the longer term, Ryan Bourne, a chair at the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, predicts Trump’s antics could give way to a less efficient economy. —Josh Feldman, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2025

Heat waves and longer summers are driving seasonal spikes in demand for cooling units, highlighting the need for efficient technologies and adequate power supply to keep Europe cool. —April Roach, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

Wigginton believes the record could take less than six days and is meticulously planning the most efficient dive spots and route. —Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025

It’s thought to play a critical role in coordinating brain activity and enabling efficient information processing. —New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025