Definition of “efficiency” - English Dictionary

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“efficiency” in English

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efficiencynoun [ U ]

uk /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ us /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/

B2 the good use of time and energy in a way that does not waste any:

What is so impressive about their society is the efficiency of the public services.

energy efficiency

› specialized physics the difference between the amount of energy that is put into a machine in the form of fuel, effort, etc. and the amount that comes out of it in the form of movement

More examples

She got through her work with speed and efficiency.
Streamlining cars increases their fuel efficiency.
Ships from eight navies will be taking part in an exercise in the Pacific to improve their efficiency in combat.
He's a stickler for efficiency.
Sweden has shown the way forward on energy efficiency.

Thesaurus: synonyms and related words

Efficient and effective

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(Definition of “efficiency” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“efficiency” in American English

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(Definition of “efficiency” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

“efficiency” in Business English

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efficiencynoun

uk /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ us

› [ U ] a situation in which a person, company, factory, etc. uses resources such as time, materials, or labour well, without wasting any:

The company is looking to shed around 1,000 jobs as part of an efficiency drive.

business/economic/operational efficiency

achieve/boost/improve efficiency The company invested substantial amounts of money upgrading the plant, and its workers agreed to flexible work rules that boosted efficiency.

improved/increased/greater efficiency

efficiency gains/improvements/savings

› [ U ] a situation in which a person, system, or machine works well and quickly:

improve/increase/maximize efficiency We are looking at ways to increase the efficiency of our advertising.

She does the job with great efficiency.

› [ C or U ] PRODUCTION the difference between the amount of energy that is put into a machine in the form of fuel, effort, etc., and the amount that comes out of it:

Burning wood on an open fire has efficiencies of only 15-20% compared to wood burning stoves, chip and pellet boilers with efficiencies of up to 80-90% .

efficiencies

› [ plural ] ways of wasting less time, money, labour, etc.:

With the reorganisation, the company is aiming to achieve efficiencies in both production and marketing.

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inefficiency

Definition of “efficiency” - English Dictionary

“efficiency” in English

efficiencynoun [ U ]

“efficiency” in American English

efficiencynoun [ C/U ]

“efficiency” in Business English

efficiencynoun

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See also