ə̇ˈfishənsē, eˈ-, ēˈ-, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin efficientia, from efficient-, efficiens (present participle of efficere to bring about, accomplish, effect) + -ia -y — more at effect
1. : the power, characteristic quality, or manner of operation of an efficient cause
it is absurd to credit inert mass with efficiency — James Ward
2.
a. : effectiveness ; especially : capacity to produce desired results with a minimum expenditure of energy, time, money, or materials
increasing recognition of the unfairness of such scales of pay is corroding the efficiency of the economic system — J.A.Hobson
the despairing conclusion that their evil efficiency knows no limits — S.L.A.Marshall
b. : suitability for a task or purpose
the efficiency of the drawing board is in no way impaired — Gadgets Annual
3. : efficient operation as measured by a comparison of actual results with those that could be achieved with the same expenditure of energy
structural changes may take place to enable the respiratory organs to remain in a state of efficiency — W.H.Dowdeswell
the invention of instruments for assessing degrees of efficiency in communication — Barbara Wootton
as
a. : the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system (as a machine, engine, or motor) to the energy supplied to it over the same period or cycle of operation
b. : performance of a task with little or no waste effort
c. : economic productivity : yield — used especially of the average number of times a unit of money serves to effect an exchange in a specified period
d. : the relative effective operation of a biological system as measured by the ratio of energy released in product (as milk, muscular effort, or wool) to the energy consumed (as in food) — called also feed efficiency
4. or efficiency apartment : a small usually furnished apartment having minimal kitchen and bath facilities