efficient

USAGE SUMMARY

"efficient" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that gets results with a minimum amount of effort, time, or waste. For example: "This new system is more efficient than the old one we used to have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think she was the most practical, efficient and organised person I have known.

The Guardian

If knocking on doors and shoving pamphlets through letterboxes were efficient ways to change minds, Britain would have a lot more Jehovah's Witnesses and a Labour government.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know many finance directors are calling for the pace of service transformation to be quickened to help with delivering high quality, safe care in an efficient and appropriate manner.

The Guardian

It must be efficient - by using carbon markets to provide incentives to reduce emissions.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the transformation of much loved icons of the community – Middlesbrough FC will soon be powered by wind – to other invisible but no less important changes, such as Bath converting its streetlights to highly efficient LEDs.

The Guardian

For instance, the budgetary savings could be used to reduce other distorting taxes or to alleviate poverty in a more targeted and efficient way".

The Guardian

The more no-go areas there are, the further away from the efficient ­frontier they will find themselves.

The Guardian

They scour the world for investments and try to invest on the "efficient frontier", where you can get the perfect ­balance of high returns and low risk.

The Guardian

The result is ever more competition for space, jobs, water and energy: "There's traffic and water pollution, poor sanitation and even the buildings don't have efficient designs," says Singh. "Another problem is waste management".

The Guardian

Lehmann thinks that large-scale biochar production in the U.S. and other industrialized countries could be an efficient way to combat global warming.

The Guardian

Of course we incorporate technical drills into our routines throughout the year, but because you're not busting a gut in every session you can concentrate on becoming more efficient in your swim, bike and run.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, quantify its "efficient" nature by specifying what resources are saved or optimized.

Common error

Avoid using "efficient" as a generic compliment. Always specify how something is "efficient" rather than simply stating it.

Linguistic Context

The word "efficient" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their ability to achieve productivity with minimal waste. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in English to describe processes, systems, and people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "efficient" is a widely used adjective denoting the ability to accomplish a task with minimal waste of resources. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a grammatically sound word appropriate for various contexts. The examples from Ludwig, mainly drawn from news and business sources, demonstrate that while "efficient" is generally positive, it should be used precisely, specifying how something is "efficient" rather than merely stating it. Related terms include "effective" and "productive", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to quantify the efficiency to give an added meaning to the usage of the word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effective

Focuses on producing the intended result, similar to "efficient" but without the emphasis on minimizing waste.

productive

Highlights the quantity of output achieved, while "efficient" emphasizes the ratio of output to input.

well-organized

Emphasizes the systematic arrangement that contributes to effectiveness, whereas "efficient" is broader.

resourceful

Focuses on the ability to find and use available resources effectively; "efficient" is more about minimizing waste.

streamlined

Highlights the simplification of a process for better flow; "efficient" refers to overall performance.

time-saving

Specifically relates to reducing the time taken for a task, while "efficient" can apply to other resources.

cost-effective

Specifically addresses the balance between cost and effectiveness, a subset of "efficient" use of resources.

optimized

Implies that something has been adjusted to achieve the best possible outcome; "efficient" suggests practical use.

capable

Indicates the ability to perform effectively; "efficient" adds the element of minimal wasted effort.

competent

Highlights skill and knowledge in performance; "efficient" emphasizes resource management.

FAQs

How can I use "efficient" in a sentence?

You can use "efficient" to describe something that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. For example: "The new system is more efficient."

What are some synonyms for "efficient"?

Alternatives to "efficient" include "effective", "productive", and "well-organized". Choose the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "efficient" and "effective"?

"Efficient" implies achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort, while "effective" means producing a desired or intended result. A process can be effective without being efficient, and vice versa.

Is it always positive to be "efficient"?

While generally positive, being "efficient" can sometimes overlook other important factors such as quality, fairness, or ethical considerations. Consider the broader implications when prioritizing efficiency.