efficient

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Working well without wasting time, effort, or money.

   An efficient process would automate all the routine work.

2. 2
   adj

   Using only as much energy or resources as needed.

   The motor is only 20% efficient at that temperature.

1398, “making,” from Old French, from Latin efficientem, nominative efficiēns, participle of efficere (“work out, accomplish”) (see effect). Meaning “productive, skilled” is from 1787. Efficiency apartment is first recorded 1930, American English.

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