adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' fi-sh ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin efficient-, efficiens, from present participle of efficere
Date: 14th century
1 : being or involving the immediate agent in producing an effect <the efficient action of heat in changing water to steam>
2 : productive of desired effects especially : productive without waste <an efficient worker>
synonyms see EFFECTIVE
– ef · fi · cient · ly adverb