efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfi-shən-sē 
plural efficiencies
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
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
La Celeste secured their place in the 2026 World Cup via CONMEBOL qualification back in September, defeating Peru 3–0 with a commanding performance that showcased their aggressive pressing and attacking efficiency.
—
Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025
Earlier, in another development, an international team of researchers raised the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to nearly 27 percent after introducing a new interfacial coating between the top contact and the perovskite layer.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Nov. 2025
Conservative critics charge that former President Joe Biden diverged from a pursuit of bureaucratic efficiency by hiring large numbers of staffers tasked with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal government.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
That plan outlines renovations, demolitions and new constructions designed to reduce the center's campus footprint and raise efficiency through 2037.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
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Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025
Earlier, in another development, an international team of researchers raised the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to nearly 27 percent after introducing a new interfacial coating between the top contact and the perovskite layer.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Nov. 2025
Conservative critics charge that former President Joe Biden diverged from a pursuit of bureaucratic efficiency by hiring large numbers of staffers tasked with advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the federal government.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 14 Nov. 2025
That plan outlines renovations, demolitions and new constructions designed to reduce the center's campus footprint and raise efficiency through 2037.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
Cite this Entry
“Efficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efficiency. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfish-ən-sē
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
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