efficiency

[ ih-fish-uh n-see ]
/ ɪˈfɪʃ ən si /

noun, plural ef·fi·cien·cies.

the state or quality of being efficient, or able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort; competency in performance.
accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort: The assembly line increased industry's efficiency.
the ratio of the work done or energy developed by a machine, engine, etc., to the energy supplied to it, usually expressed as a percentage.

Origin of efficiency

1585–95; < Latin efficientia, equivalent to efficient- (see efficient) + -ia -y3

OTHER WORDS FROM efficiency

non·ef·fi·cien·cy, noun su·per·ef·fi·cien·cy, noun, plural su·per·ef·fi·cien·cies.

Example sentences from the Web for efficiencies

British Dictionary definitions for efficiencies

efficiency
/ (ɪˈfɪʃənsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

the quality or state of being efficient; competence; effectiveness
the ratio of the useful work done by a machine, engine, device, etc, to the energy supplied to it, often expressed as a percentage See also thermal efficiency

Medical definitions for efficiencies

efficiency
[ ĭ-fĭshən-sē ]

n.

The production of the desired effects or results with minimum waste of time, effort, or skill.
A measure of effectiveness; specifically, the useful work output divided by the energy input in any system.

Scientific definitions for efficiencies

efficiency
[ ĭ-fĭshən-sē ]

The ratio of the energy delivered (or work done) by a machine to the energy needed (or work required) in operating the machine. The efficiency of any machine is always less than one due to forces such as friction that use up energy unproductively. See also mechanical advantage.
The ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system.