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Near Antonyms
Antonyms
ef​fi​cient
adjective
ef·​fi·​cient
i-ˈfi-shənt

Definition

  • productive of desired effects
    especially capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials) //an efficient worker //efficient machinery
  • being or involving the immediate agent in producing an effect //the efficient action of heat in changing water to steam
    — see also cost-efficient
Other Words
  • efficiently adverb //working/operating efficiently
Examples
  • //that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
History and Etymology
Middle English, "active, immediate (of a cause)," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin efficient-, efficiens "producing or giving rise to something, immediate (of a cause), active," from present participle of efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" — more at effect entry 1
efficient
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms

  • producing or capable of producing a desired result //that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard
    Synonyms