efficiency
noun/ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ · [ɪˈfɪʃn̩si]
Etymology From Latin efficientia, equivalent to efficient + -cy.
1
The extent to which a resource is used for the intended purpose.
- In a letter DeJoy sent to Congress on Thursday, he said DOGE teams will “assist us in identifying and achieving further efficiencies,” saying the Elon Musk-led agency will focus on improving the management of USPS retirement assets and the Workers’ Compensation Program, as well as addressing the agency’s legislative mandates and regulatory requirements.2025 March 13, Gabe Cohen, “Head of Postal Service agrees to let DOGE work with USPS”, in CNN:
2
Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics The ratio of useful work to energy expended. Often given the symbol η.
- The efficiency of this loudspeaker is 40%.
3
The extent to which time is well used for the intended task.
- The efficiency of the planning department is deplorable.
- Even at the busiest periods, an air of quiet orderliness pervades the hall, and the first impression gained by the traveller is one of efficiency, neatness and cleanliness.1951 October 23, H. A. Vallance, “Across Denmark by Lyntog”, in Railway Magazine, page 658:
1 more example
- The display and result must be placed in the context that was it was against a side that looked every bit their Fifa world ranking of 141 - but England completed the job with efficiency to record their biggest away win in 19 years.2012 September 7, Phil McNulty, “Moldova 0-5 England”, in BBC Sport:
4
Dated The quality of producing an effect or effects.
- The manner of this divine efficiency being far above us.[1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Iohn Windet, […], →OCLC, (please specify the page):
5
US A one-room apartment.
- I have an efficiency available June through July.
- fully-furnished efficiencies
- Derived terms
- coefficiency, cost efficiency, ecoefficiency, efficiency engineer, efficiency ratio, equiefficiency, high-efficiency, low-efficiency, nonefficiency, photoefficiency, superefficiency
- Related terms
- effect, effective, effectiveness, effectivity, effector, effectual, effectuate, efficacious, efficacity, efficacy, efficient, efficiently
- Hyponyms
- algorithmic efficiency, allocative efficiency, business efficiency, dynamic efficiency, electrical efficiency, energy efficiency, fuel efficiency, Kaldor-Hicks efficiency, material efficiency, Pareto efficiency, productive efficiency, quantum efficiency, static efficiency, tax efficiency, thermal efficiency