efficient
gb/ɪfˈɪʃənt/ us/ɪfˈɪʃənt/
B1
English
~ 2300
hatékony, takarékos
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is efficient at [doing something]
The new software is much more efficient than the old one.
Az új szoftver sokkal hatékonyabb, mint a régi.
She is an efficient manager who always meets deadlines.
Hatékony vezető, aki mindig betartja a határidőket.
Solar panels are an efficient way to generate electricity.
The car's engine is extremely efficient, using very little fuel.
We need an efficient plan to finish the project on time.
Learner examples
This machine is very efficient.
Ez a gép nagyon hatékony.
My car is efficient and uses less gas.
Az autóm takarékos, és kevesebb benzint fogyaszt.
He is efficient at his job.
We have an efficient system for cleaning.
The new printer is efficient.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'efficient' with 'effective'. 'Efficient' means achieving results with minimal waste; 'effective' means achieving the intended result regardless of effort or waste.
Meaning
Working well with no waste
Collocations
highly efficient
|energy efficient
|efficient system
|efficient process
|efficient worker
Synonyms
effective (Focuses on achieving the desired result, not necessarily with minimal waste.)
|
productive (Emphasizes producing a lot or achieving much, possibly with efficiency.)
Antonyms
inefficient (Fails to achieve results without wasting time or resources.)
|
wasteful (Uses more resources than necessary, often carelessly.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|productivity
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Doing something in a way that saves time, energy, or resources.
Able to produce the desired result without wasting time, energy, or resources.
Grammar
Dictionary form
efficient
IPA
GB/ɪfˈɪʃənt/
US/ɪfˈɪʃənt/
Syllables & stress
ef - fi - cient (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: efficient
Word family
Expressions
cost efficient
1/kˈɔst ɪfˈɪʃənt/
fixed phrase
Achieving results with low cost
Doing something well while spending little money.
Examples
- Online marketing can be more cost efficient than TV ads.
- We found a cost efficient way to manufacture the product.
energy efficient
1/ˈɛnɚd͡ʒi ɪfˈɪʃənt/
fixed phrase
Using little energy for output
Using less energy to do the same work.
Examples
- LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs.
- The building was designed to be highly energy efficient.
time efficient
1/tˈaɪm ɪfˈɪʃənt/
fixed phrase
Using little time for result
Doing something in less time without losing quality.
Examples
- This method is more time efficient than the old one.
- We need a time efficient process for data entry.