efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfi-shən-sē 
plural efficiencies
1
: the quality or degree of being efficient
2
a
: efficient operation
b(1)
: effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost (as in energy, time, and money)
(2)
: the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a dynamic system to the energy supplied to it
Examples of efficiency in a Sentence
Because of her efficiency, we got all the work done in a few hours.
The factory was operating at peak efficiency.
A furnace with 80 percent fuel efficiency wastes 20 percent of its fuel.
The company is trying to lower costs and improve efficiencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Travelers in search of a new hardside suitcase should snatch up this 24-inch piece that can be expanded up to 2 inches for maximum packing efficiency.
—
Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2025
If implemented, the rule would aim to balance safety and efficiency with EV power, raising the question of how far governments should go in moderating performance as EVs continue to exceed traditional engineering limits.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025
The three fire departments planned to join forces to improve efficiency and their ability to respond to emergencies, as well as combat the rising risk of wildfires in the area.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025
The real competition is for capital efficiency, and those who master it will define the future of sports finance.
—Joseph Glatt, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
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Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2025
If implemented, the rule would aim to balance safety and efficiency with EV power, raising the question of how far governments should go in moderating performance as EVs continue to exceed traditional engineering limits.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025
The three fire departments planned to join forces to improve efficiency and their ability to respond to emergencies, as well as combat the rising risk of wildfires in the area.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025
The real competition is for capital efficiency, and those who master it will define the future of sports finance.
—Joseph Glatt, Sportico.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for efficiency
Cite this Entry
“Efficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/efficiency. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
efficiency
noun
ef·fi·cien·cy
i-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural efficiencies
1
: the quality or degree of being efficient
2
: efficient operation
3
: the ratio of the useful energy delivered by a machine to the energy supplied to it
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