efficient Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective being effective without wasting time or effort or expense
    • an efficient production manager
    • efficient engines save gas
  2. adjective satellite able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
    effective.
    • people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons..."-G.B.Shaw
    • effective personnel
    • an efficient secretary
    • the efficient cause of the revolution

WordNet

Ef*fi"cient adjective
Etymology
L. efficiens, -entis, p. pr. of efficere to effect: cf. F. efficient. See Effect, n.
Definitions
  1. Causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or incapable; characterized by energetic and useful activity; as, an efficient officer, power.
    The efficient cause is the working cause. Wilson.
    Syn. -- Effective; effectual; competent; able; capable; material; potent.
Ef*fi"cient noun
Definitions
  1. An efficient cause; a prime mover.
    God . . . moveth mere natural agents as an efficient only. Hooker.

Webster 1913