efficiency

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Latin efficientia.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ɪˈfɪʃn̩si/
  • (file)

Noun[edit]

efficiency (countable and uncountable, plural efficiencies)

  1. The extent to which time is well used for the intended task.
    Antonyms: inefficiency, wastefulness
    The efficiency of the planning department is deplorable.
    • 2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      The display and result must be placed in the context that was it was against a side that looked every bit their Fifa world ranking of 141 - but England completed the job with efficiency to record their biggest away win in 19 years.
  2. (dated) The quality of producing an effect or effects.
    • 1594–1597, Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, [], London: [] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, →OCLC, (please specify the page):
      The manner of this divine efficiency being far above us.
  3. The extent to which a resource is used for the intended purpose; the ratio of useful work to energy expended.
    Antonyms: inefficiency, wastefulness
    The efficiency of this loudspeaker is 40%.
  4. (US) A one-room apartment.
    Synonyms: efficiency apartment, studio apartment, (UK, Ireland) bedsit
    I have an efficiency available June through July.
    fully-furnished efficiencies

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Translations[edit]

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References[edit]