reduce efficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce efficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or actions that lead to a decrease in productivity or effectiveness in a process or system. Example: "The new policy changes may inadvertently reduce efficiency in our workflow, leading to delays in project completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Bad conditions make workers sick, causing them to miss work, and also depress morale and reduce efficiency, Mr. Giustino said.

The New York Times

This country's long period of economic pre-eminence has produced a set of interest groups that, in Olson's words, "reduce efficiency and aggregate income".

The New York Times - Magazine

The move has also angered manufacturers who agree the move will do nothing to make cleaners more environmentally friendly and will simply reduce efficiency in the home.

The Guardian

For big business, a more complex regulatory environment may reduce efficiency but it could also allow smaller local companies to flourish.

The Guardian

Or they must show empirically that any policies designed to reduce inequality will so reduce efficiency and total income that the share for the least advantaged would be smaller than what it is currently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A key trick in raising efficiency, said Paul F. Browning, the president of the company's thermal products division, is using technology borrowed from G.E.'s aircraft engine business to prevent the 1,000-degree 1,000-degreeking into the 2,800-degree gairpath, which would cool it and thus reduce efromiency.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They will therefore add costs and reduce efficiencies at a time when companies can ill afford either.

The Economist

The progressive degradation of batteries leads to reduced capacity, reduced efficiency, and safety concerns.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Such trade diversion reduces efficiency; purchases are switched from the efficient outside country to the less-efficient partner nation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The utility industry fiercely opposes the provision, saying it costs too much and reduces efficiency.

The New York Times

Far less water is consumed, but dry cooling adds costs and reduces efficiency — and profits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing processes, systems, or workflows, specify which aspect of efficiency is being reduced (e.g., "reduce energy efficiency", "reduce time efficiency") to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce efficiency" without specifying the area or context. For example, instead of saying "the changes reduced efficiency", clarify by stating "the changes reduced efficiency in the manufacturing process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce efficiency" functions as a verb phrase, where "reduce" is the verb and "efficiency" is the direct object. It typically expresses an action that negatively impacts or lowers the level of effectiveness or productivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce efficiency" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that describes a decline in effectiveness or productivity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specifying the area of efficiency being reduced ensures effective communication. Alternatives like "decrease productivity" or "impair performance" can be used for stylistic variation. Overall, "reduce efficiency" is a versatile phrase that enhances clarity and precision in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diminish effectiveness

Changes the wording to emphasize the lessening of effectiveness rather than efficiency.

Decrease productivity

Emphasizes the quantifiable aspect of productivity reduction.

Impair productivity

Focuses on the negative impact on productivity, a closely related concept.

Lessen efficacy

Replaces "efficiency" with "efficacy", focusing on the ability to produce a desired result.

Hinder performance

Replaces "reduce" with "hinder", suggesting an obstruction of performance.

Weaken effectiveness

Uses "weaken" to convey a reduction in the strength of effectiveness.

Compromise performance

Suggests that performance is being negatively affected or put at risk.

Lower output

Simplifies the phrase by directly addressing the reduction in output.

Degrade effectiveness

Conveys a gradual decline in the quality of being effective.

Curb productivity

Suggests a restraint or limitation on productivity.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce efficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce efficiency" to describe factors that lower productivity or effectiveness. For example, "Poor maintenance can "reduce efficiency" in manufacturing processes."

What's a good alternative to "reduce efficiency"?

Alternatives include "decrease productivity", "impair performance", or "lower output", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "reduce efficiency" or "decrease efficiency"?

Both "reduce efficiency" and "decrease efficiency" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "reduce" may be slightly more common.

What causes systems to "reduce efficiency"?

Many factors can "reduce efficiency", including poor maintenance, inadequate training, outdated technology, and inefficient processes.