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

Hauser was the Celtics’ most efficient 3-point shooter during the regular season (team-best 41.6% from beyond the arc) but has been quiet this postseason. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025

Falling pregnant, as the British so elegantly put it, was—for me—a surprisingly efficient affair. —Anonymous, Vogue, 10 May 2025

The Air Force originally hoped the existing silos that have housed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles could be adapted to launch Sentinel missiles, which would be more efficient than digging entirely new silos. —ArsTechnica, 9 May 2025

Vaporizers, such as the Pax 3 or Storz & Bickel Mighty, allow for clean, efficient, and odor-free consumption. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 May 2025