efficient

/ɪˈfɪʃnt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈfɪʃnt/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈfi-shənt/ (ame, mw)

efficient — adjective

  • efficientpositive
  • more efficientcomparative
  • most efficientsuperlative

1. A person, machine, or system that does a task well and quickly, using a sensible

1.形容詞B1
釋義

A person, machine, or system that does a task well and quickly, using a sensible method and making good use of time.

例句

Sora is the most efficient worker in the kitchen — he never wastes a single movement.

efficient + noun describing a person

The new hospital filing system is far more efficient than the old paper-based one.

comparative: more efficient than

同義詞
  • effective

    Focuses on achieving the desired result rather than on the speed or method.

  • productive

    Emphasises a large amount of output; does not necessarily imply good organisation.

  • organized

    Describes a structured approach, but does not carry the sense of speed.

反義詞
  • inefficient

    Wastes time or effort; opposite in both senses.

  • disorganized

    Lacks structure or order, leading to slowness.

文法句型

efficient + noun

efficient at + noun/gerund

more efficient than

用法筆記

Frequently used to describe people, processes, or systems. When describing a person's skill, the pattern efficient at + noun/gerund is standard: efficient at solving problems.

常見錯誤

❌She is very efficient to finish her work.
✅She is very efficient at finishing her work.
💡'efficient' takes 'at' + gerund, not 'to' + infinitive.
❌He works efficient.
✅He works efficiently.
💡Use the adverb 'efficiently' to describe how an action is done.

2. Something that achieves what it is meant to do without using more fuel, water, m

2.形容詞B1
釋義

Something that achieves what it is meant to do without using more fuel, water, money, or other resources than necessary.

例句

Modern air conditioners are much more efficient, using less electricity than older models.

efficient + using less [resource]

Élise installed an efficient shower head that cuts her water bill by half.

efficient + noun (appliance)

同義詞
  • economical

    Specifically about saving money or resources; often used for vehicles and appliances.

  • resource-saving

    A more direct but less common synonym for the resource-waste sense.

反義詞

文法句型

efficient + noun

energy-efficient / fuel-efficient

more efficient

用法筆記

Subject is typically a machine, appliance, vehicle, building, or system that consumes resources. Commonly appears in compound adjectives: energy-efficient, fuel-efficient, cost-efficient.

常見錯誤

❌This car is efficient of fuel.
✅This car is fuel-efficient.
💡Use the compound form or rephrase as 'efficient in its use of fuel.'
❌An efficient air conditioner saves money of electricity.
✅An energy-efficient air conditioner saves money on electricity.
💡'of' is not the correct preposition after 'save' in this context.