efficient
AdjectiveSynonyms:
effective
WordNet 3.0
Adjective (2)
- being effective without wasting time or effort or expense“an efficient production manager”“efficient engines save gas”
- able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively“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”Synonyms: effective
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
efficient \ef*fi"cient\ ([e^]f*f[i^]sh"ent), a. [L. efficiens, -entis, p. pr. of efficere to effect: cf. F. efficient. See Effect, n.] 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. [1913 Webster]
The efficient cause is the working cause. --Wilson.
Syn: Effective; effectual; competent; able; capable; material; potent. [1913 Webster]
Efficient \Ef*fi"cient\, n. An efficient cause; a prime mover. [1913 Webster]
God . . . moveth mere natural agents as an efficient only. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]