efficiency
Efficiency is the ability to do a task well without wasting any time or effort.
Explanation at your level:
Efficiency means doing things fast and well. If you have a clean desk, you work with efficiency. You do not waste time.
Efficiency is when you do a good job without wasting time or money. A car with good fuel efficiency uses very little gas to travel far.
Efficiency is the quality of achieving the best result with the least amount of effort. It is very important in business and school to stay productive.
Efficiency is a measure of productivity. It implies that you have optimized your workflow to avoid unnecessary waste, whether that is time, energy, or material resources.
Efficiency refers to the optimization of processes to ensure maximum output with minimal input. It is a critical concept in economics, engineering, and organizational management, often contrasted with 'effectiveness.'
Efficiency denotes a state of refined performance where the expenditure of resources is perfectly calibrated to the desired outcome. It speaks to a level of mastery where friction is eliminated, and processes are streamlined to their most essential, high-functioning forms.
30秒词汇
- Efficiency is doing things well.
- It avoids waste.
- It is a noun.
- It is important for success.
Think of efficiency as the art of 'doing more with less.' When you are being efficient, you aren't just working hard; you are working smart.
It is the opposite of being wasteful. Whether it is a machine using less electricity to heat a room or a student finishing homework without getting distracted, efficiency is all about optimization. It is a highly valued trait in business, engineering, and even our personal lives.
The word efficiency comes from the Latin word efficientia, which means 'accomplishment' or 'making.' It is rooted in the verb efficere, meaning 'to work out' or 'to bring about.'
It entered the English language in the 16th century. Interestingly, it wasn't always about machines! It originally referred to the power of a person or thing to produce a specific effect. During the Industrial Revolution, the meaning shifted to focus on mechanical performance and output.
We use efficiency in both casual conversation and professional settings. You might hear a boss talk about 'improving office efficiency,' or a friend mention the 'fuel efficiency' of their new car.
Common pairings include high efficiency, energy efficiency, and operational efficiency. It is a neutral-to-formal word that carries a positive connotation of competence and intelligence.
While 'efficiency' isn't always in an idiom, it relates to many. 1. A well-oiled machine: Something working with perfect efficiency. 2. Cut corners: Doing things quickly but poorly (the opposite of efficiency). 3. Hit the ground running: Starting a task with immediate efficiency. 4. Work smarter, not harder: The core philosophy of efficiency. 5. Streamline the process: Making something more efficient.
Efficiency is an uncountable noun. You don't usually say 'an efficiency' or 'efficiencies' unless you are referring to specific types of systems.
Pronunciation: UK /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/, US /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/. The stress is on the second syllable: e-fish-en-cy. It rhymes with words like deficiency and proficiency.
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'effect'.
Pronunciation Guide
e-FISH-en-see
e-FISH-en-see
Common Errors
- stressing the wrong syllable
- mispronouncing the 'sh' sound
- adding an extra vowel
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common word
Common usage
Easy to pronounce
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Uncountable nouns
Efficiency is important.
Examples by Level
She works with efficiency.
She works well/fast.
Noun usage.
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The new machine improves efficiency.
He values efficiency in his work.
We need more efficiency in the office.
Fuel efficiency is important for cars.
She cleaned the room with great efficiency.
The team focuses on efficiency.
Good planning leads to efficiency.
Efficiency saves us money.
The company is trying to increase its operational efficiency.
Energy efficiency helps the environment.
She is known for her speed and efficiency.
We need to find ways to improve our efficiency.
The new software will boost our efficiency.
Efficiency is key to success in this project.
He was praised for his efficiency at work.
The system lacks efficiency.
The manager implemented new policies to maximize efficiency.
We must balance efficiency with quality.
The efficiency of the engine is remarkable.
His efficiency allowed him to finish early.
They are looking for ways to improve energy efficiency.
The process was designed for maximum efficiency.
Efficiency is often sacrificed for speed.
She handles tasks with impressive efficiency.
The inherent efficiency of the design is what makes it so popular.
We are striving for greater efficiency in our supply chain.
The efficiency of the algorithm is quite high.
Bureaucracy often hinders efficiency in government.
He criticized the lack of efficiency in the current system.
The company prides itself on its efficiency.
Achieving efficiency requires careful planning.
Efficiency is not just about speed; it is about accuracy.
The sheer efficiency of the organization is a testament to its leadership.
One must distinguish between mere speed and true efficiency.
The project suffered due to a profound lack of efficiency.
The efficiency with which she solved the problem was astounding.
We must optimize for long-term efficiency.
The system's efficiency is its greatest asset.
Efficiency is the hallmark of a well-run operation.
The pursuit of efficiency can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
近义词
反义词
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"a well-oiled machine"
working perfectly
The team is a well-oiled machine.
idiomatic""
""
""
""
""
Easily Confused
Both relate to success
Efficiency is the process, effectiveness is the outcome.
Efficiently doing the wrong thing is not effective.
Sentence Patterns
The efficiency of [X] is [Y].
The efficiency of the engine is high.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
常见错误
Efficiency is a noun; efficient is the adjective.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize a factory line.
Business Context
Use it to talk about time management.
Work Culture
Efficiency is a top priority in US firms.
Noun vs Adjective
Efficiency = noun, Efficient = adjective.
IPA
Focus on the 'fish' sound.
Don't say 'an efficiency'
It is uncountable.
History
Rooted in Latin 'efficere'.
Pomodoro
Use the Pomodoro technique.
Collocation
Use 'improve' or 'increase'.
Professionalism
Use it in emails to sound professional.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
E-FISH-ency: Think of an E-fish (electronic fish) that swims perfectly without wasting energy.
Visual Association
A clock and a lightbulb together.
Word Web
挑战
Time yourself doing a task and try to beat your time tomorrow.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: accomplishment
文化背景
None
Highly valued in Western business culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- improve efficiency
- operational efficiency
- work efficiency
Conversation Starters
"How do you improve your daily efficiency?"
"Is efficiency more important than creativity?"
"What is the most efficient way to learn English?"
"Do you consider yourself an efficient person?"
"How can technology improve efficiency?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were very efficient.
What is one task you could do more efficiently?
Why is efficiency valued in modern society?
How does efficiency affect your stress levels?
常见问题
8 个问题No, efficiency is about how you do it, effectiveness is about doing the right thing.
自我测试
He works with great ___.
Efficiency is the noun needed here.
Which means the same as efficiency?
Productivity is a synonym.
Efficiency is an adjective.
It is a noun.
Word
意思
Matches part of speech.
Efficiency is key to success.
得分： /5
Summary
Efficiency is the smart way to get the best result with the least waste.
- Efficiency is doing things well.
- It avoids waste.
- It is a noun.
- It is important for success.
Memory Palace
Visualize a factory line.
Business Context
Use it to talk about time management.
Work Culture
Efficiency is a top priority in US firms.
Noun vs Adjective
Efficiency = noun, Efficient = adjective.
例句
Using a dishwasher helps improve efficiency in the kitchen.
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