Britannica Dictionary definition of EFFICIENT [more efficient; most efficient] : capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy an efficient worker efficient machinery

Efficient most often describes what is capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy. While the word can be applied to both people and things, it is far more commonly …

Definition of efficient adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

EFFICIENT definition: 1. working or operating quickly and effectively in an organized way: 2. working in a way that does…. Learn more.

Effective and efficient are often confused, but they have slightly different meanings. If you are effective, you do a job properly; if you are efficient, you do it quickly and easily.

If something or someone is efficient, they are able to do tasks successfully, without wasting time or energy. With today's more efficient contraception women can plan their families and careers.

Jan 20, 2026 · Adjective efficient (comparative more efficient, superlative most efficient) Making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or …