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
• competent
• proficient
• adept
• convincing
• practiced
• skillful
• expert
• experienced
• hyperefficient
• feasible
• cogent
• dynamic
• practicable
• valid
• active
• accomplished
• striking
• veteran
• ultraefficient
• masterly
• functional
• 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

Slowing down the process makes charging time and battery life less efficient. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Last year, the Rockets had a shockingly efficient offense. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

If Richard keeps producing efficient minutes, his role will be one to watch on the trip. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Invest in energy-efficient and high-performance windows that provide UV protection and minimize the heat increase from the sun. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025