Synonyms of efficient

efficient

adjective

i-ˈfi-shənt 

as in effective

producing or capable of producing a desired result

that manual lawn mower is not a very efficient tool for doing a huge yard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effective
• productive
• potent
• adequate
• efficacious
• effectual
• fruitful
• operative
• useful
• capable
• practical
• skilled
• proficient
• competent
• adept
• convincing
• practiced
• skillful
• expert
• practised
• experienced
• useable
• feasible
• hyperefficient
• cogent
• dynamic
• practicable
• valid
• active
• accomplished
• striking
• veteran
• ultraefficient
• functional
• masterly
• telling
• usable
• workable
• realizable
• killer
• sound
• consummate
• applicable
• versed
• virtuoso
• working

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inefficient
• ineffective
• useless
• unproductive
• ineffectual
• incapable
• fruitless
• inoperative
• incompetent
• counterproductive
• unskilled
• inexperienced
• unqualified
• vain
• futile
• unfruitful
• unsuccessful
• empty
• idle
• hollow
• abortive
• unprofitable
• pointless
• worthless
• unskillful
• inexpert
• unseasoned
• inoperative
• unavailing
• bootless

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective efficient contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of efficient are effective, effectual, and efficacious. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

In what contexts can effective take the place of efficient?

While in some cases nearly identical to efficient, effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

When would effectual be a good substitute for efficient?

The words effectual and efficient are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

Where would efficacious be a reasonable alternative to efficient?

The synonyms efficacious and efficient are sometimes interchangeable, but efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of efficient

Suncor Energy is planning a two-year construction project at its Commerce City oil refinery to tear down a 75-year-old flare stack that often sends flames flickering from the top, and reconnect the pipes that funnel excess gases to a newer, more efficient flare on site. —Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025

Since taking the helm in 2020, DeJoy has embarked on a 10-year plan to make the agency profitable and more efficient. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025

To be efficient and cost-effective, these chemicals are prioritized for targeted testing. —Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025

Imagine a future where farming is not only more efficient but also cleaner and greener. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025