ef ‧ fi ‧ cient S3 W3 /ɪˈfɪʃ ə nt/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: present participle of efficere ; ⇨ ↑ effect 1 ]
if someone or something is efficient, they work well without wasting time, money, or energy OPP inefficient :
a very efficient secretary
an efficient use of land
Lighting is now more energy efficient.
—efficiently adverb
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ extremely/highly efficient
The factory is modern and highly efficient.
■ efficient + NOUN
▪ an efficient way
Email is an efficient way of contacting a large number of people.
▪ an efficient method
The railways used to provide a cheap efficient method of travel.
▪ an efficient means
The tram is a very efficient means of transport.
▪ an efficient system
We need a more efficient system for collecting money.
▪ an efficient service
We aim to provide our clients with an efficient and friendly service.
▪ the efficient use of something
We must work towards the more efficient use of all natural resources.
▪ the efficient operation of something
The law must protect investors without interfering with the efficient operation of the market.
■ NOUN + efficient
▪ energy/fuel efficient (=not wasting any fuel or energy)
an energy efficient heating system
▪ cost efficient (=costing or spending as little as possible)
The larger a firm becomes the more cost efficient it can become.