ef ‧ fi ‧ cien ‧ cy W3 /ɪˈfɪʃ ə nsi/ BrE AmE noun
1 . [uncountable] the quality of doing something well and effectively, without wasting time, money, or energy OPP inefficient
efficiency of
the efficiency of the train service
considerable advancements in energy efficiency
2 . efficiencies [plural] the amounts of money, supplies etc that are saved by finding a better or cheaper way of doing something:
operating efficiencies
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ improve/increase efficiency
The company is taking steps to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
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Recent efforts by American business to increase efficiency seem to have failed.
▪ promote efficiency (=develop or encourage efficient ways of doing something)
A competitive market helps to promote efficiency.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + efficiency
▪ greater/increased efficiency
In a search for greater efficiency, the two departments have merged.
▪ maximum efficiency (=the most that is possible)
The boat's design helps it to move with maximum efficiency.
▪ fuel efficiency (=using fuel in an efficient way)
Better fuel efficiency can be achieved by driving more slowly.
▪ energy efficiency (=using energy in an efficient way)
Energy efficiency can play a huge role in reducing pollution.
▪ high efficiency (=used about machines)
The diesel engine offers high efficiency and low fuel consumption.
▪ operating/operational efficiency (=the efficiency with which a machine or system works)
The computer can process this information quickly, without any loss of operating efficiency.
■ efficiency + NOUN
▪ efficiency gains (=increases in efficiency)
New technology introduced by the company has brought efficiency gains.
▪ efficiency savings (=money saved by being more efficient)
Efficiency savings in the industry will inevitably lead to job losses.
▪ efficiency measures (=changes introduced to make something more efficient)
The new efficiency measures are designed to improve the health service.
▪ standards of efficiency
Their work led to higher standards of efficiency across the industry.