efficiency

noun ef·fi·cien·cy \ i-ˈfi-shən-sē \

Updated on: 1 Mar 2018

Definition of efficiency

plural efficiencies

1 : the quality or degree of being efficient

2 a : efficient operation

b (1) : effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost (as in energy, time, and money)

(2) : the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it

3 : efficiency apartment

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Examples of efficiency in a Sentence

Because of her efficiency, we got all the work done in a few hours.
The factory was operating at peak efficiency.
A furnace with 80 percent fuel efficiency wastes 20 percent of its fuel.
The company is trying to lower costs and improve efficiencies.

Recent Examples of efficiency from the Web

Good defense or poor shooting by a team that currently ranks 18th in offensive efficiency and has failed to reach the century mark in 22 games this season?

— chris fedor, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers' improved defense? Not quite yet: Chris Fedor," 26 Feb. 2018
Brake Assist applies pressure to help increase braking efficiency, while the Brake Override System cuts engine power if the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed at the same time.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Subaru’s redesigned 2018 Crosstrek compact SUV adds space, technology | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 24 Feb. 2018
The review commissioned by the firm is meant to pave the way for improving operational efficiency, according to Abraaj’s statement.

— Bloomberg.com, "Trump: Will Be Putting in a Lot More Circuit Judges," 23 Feb. 2018
This project is a great initiative that focuses on improving efficiency and customer care for rental car agencies.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Former subdivision near Birmingham airport to be razed for new facility," 22 Feb. 2018
According to an expert from Utrecht University, these benefits can improve solar panel efficiency by up to 15 percent.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Netherlands to Build First Solar Farm That Will Float in the Ocean," 15 Feb. 2018
The meetings will give people the chance to view exhibits and ask questions about the plan, which focuses on modernizing McClellan-Palomar to meet FAA airport standards and improve airport efficiency.

— laura groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "On the agenda, Jan. 28," 28 Jan. 2018
Institute immigration court reforms to improve efficiency and prevent fraud and abuse.

— jamie dupree, AJC.com, "Trump immigration plan offers citizenship to 1.8 million, $25 billion for border security," 25 Jan. 2018
Or, use the deals to dictate your destination–search the app for the best deals and book your next trip based on cost efficiency.

— donna kim, Harper's BAZAAR, "14 Must-Have Apps To Use on Vacation," 23 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'efficiency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of efficiency

1633

efficiency Synonyms

EFFICIENCY Defined for English Language Learners

efficiency

noun

Definition of efficiency for English Language Learners

: the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy : the quality or degree of being efficient ( technical )