highly efficient

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly efficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is very effective, producing excellent results with minimal effort. For example, "She was a highly efficient CEO, able to quickly turn the company around within her first year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It appears highly efficient.

The Guardian

Traditional Medicare is highly efficient.

The New York Times

The mechanized operation is highly efficient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fish, however, are already highly efficient.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scallop dredges are highly efficient tools: nothing escapes them.

The New York Times - Food

Mr. Reilly said the Eisenach plant was "highly efficient".

The New York Times

Bodies are disposed of, in highly efficient, hygienic fashion.

The New York Times

This illustrates the importance of highly efficient compressors and turbines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is cerebral, serious, self-contained and highly efficient.

The New York Times - Magazine

— with a highly efficient but corporate management system servicing it.

The New York Times

It is a highly efficient program that confounds all the critics of government-run health care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "highly efficient" to underscore its ability to achieve maximum output with minimum waste of resources, time, or energy. Be specific about how it achieves this efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "highly efficient" as a generic compliment. Provide concrete details or metrics that demonstrate the actual efficiency of the subject, instead of just claiming it is efficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly efficient" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a superior level of efficiency. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to positively characterize systems, processes, and even individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly efficient" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that describes something or someone that achieves maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable across various contexts, from formal reports to everyday conversations. When using "highly efficient", be sure to provide specific details to support the claim. Alternatives include phrases like "extremely effective" or "very productive", each offering subtle nuances in meaning. Top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely effective

Emphasizes the degree of effectiveness, similar to "highly efficient", but focuses more on the outcome.

very productive

Highlights the output or results achieved with minimal wasted effort.

remarkably effective

Stresses the surprising or noteworthy nature of the effectiveness.

exceptionally streamlined

Focuses on the smooth and optimized process that leads to efficiency.

incredibly well-organized

Highlights the organizational aspect that contributes to high efficiency.

supremely optimized

Emphasizes that something has been refined to achieve the best possible efficiency.

outstandingly resourceful

Highlights the ability to find smart ways to overcome limitations in order to achieve efficiency.

consummately skilled

Draws attention to the expertise and mastery involved in being highly efficient.

unusually economic

Focuses on minimizing resource consumption and cost, implying efficiency.

powerfully advantageous

Focuses on the substantial benefits and favorable outcomes resulting from the efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "highly efficient" in a sentence?

You can use "highly efficient" to describe something that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort. For example, "The new assembly line is a "highly efficient" operation, reducing production time by 20%."

What are some alternatives to "highly efficient"?

Alternatives to "highly efficient" include "extremely effective", "very productive", or "remarkably effective". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of efficiency you want to emphasize.

Is "highly efficient" formal or informal language?

"Highly efficient" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a commonly understood and widely accepted phrase.

What makes something "highly efficient"?

Something "highly efficient" maximizes output while minimizing wasted resources such as time, energy, or materials. This often involves streamlined processes, optimized resource allocation, and effective management.