adjective
efficient
ih-FISH-uhnt/ɪˈfɪʃnt/
Achieving the desired result with little waste of time, energy, or resources.
The efficient jig helps the worker make matching pieces with little waste.
Etymology
“Out” plus “do” underlies the sense “work out, accomplish.” The meaning shifted from producing an effect to being productive and skilled, leading to the modern emphasis on accomplishing work with little waste.
In context
we gain about a factor 8 in in resources so now we have a very nice and efficient model
More examples
- She found a more efficient route.
- The system is efficient but expensive to install.
- An efficient team avoids doing the same work twice.
Forms
Similar words
- effective
- Achieves the result without necessarily saving resources.
- economical
- Uses resources sparingly.