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

The meaning of EFFICIENT is productive of desired effects; especially : capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials). How to use efficient in a sentence.

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

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.

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.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 ef•fi•cient /ɪˈfɪʃənt/ adj. performing or functioning effectively with the least waste of time and effort; competent: an efficient …