time-saving

IPA/ˈtaɪm seɪvɪŋ/
IPA/ˈtaɪm seɪvɪŋ/

time-saving — adjective

1. describes a method, tool, or action that lets you finish a task or activity in l

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describes a method, tool, or action that lets you finish a task or activity in less time than usual, so you have more time for other things.

Example

Ziad bought a time-saving kitchen gadget that chops vegetables in seconds.

time-saving + noun ('gadget') — attributive use

Taking the express train is a time-saving way to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung.

time-saving way to + infinitive

Common collocations
  • time-saving device
  • time-saving technique
  • time-saving tip
  • time-saving measure
  • time-saving shortcut
  • time-saving feature
  • time-saving tool
Synonyms
  • efficient

    broader; describes any process that achieves maximum output with minimum waste, not just time

  • labour-saving

    focuses on reducing physical effort rather than speed

  • convenient

    emphasises ease of use, not specifically speed

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

time-saving + noun

Usage Note

Always written with a hyphen when used as a compound adjective before a noun.

Common Mistakes

I bought a saving-time device.
I bought a time-saving device.
The order of the two parts is fixed; 'time' comes before 'saving'.

Word family

  • time-saver
    nounB2
  • save time
    verb phraseB1
  • time-savingly
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Time-saving, efficient, labour-saving, and convenient all describe something that makes a task easier, but they focus on different aspects. Time-saving is the most specific — it is only about reducing the time needed (e.g., 'a time-saving shortcut'). Efficient is broader, covering how well resources (time, money, energy) are used ('an efficient engine'). Labour-saving focuses on reducing physical work, not speed ('a labour-saving dishwasher'). Convenient highlights ease or suitability ('a convenient location near the station'). You can say an online payment system is time-saving because it processes the payment in seconds and convenient because you can use it from home.

efficient ↗labour-saving ↗convenient ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • time-saving device
  • time-saving technique
  • time-saving tip
  • time-saving measure
  • time-saving shortcut
  • time-saving feature
  • time-saving tool

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchEnglish

Formed by combining the noun 'time' (from Old English 'tīma', meaning a period or duration) with the present participle 'saving' (from Old French 'salver', meaning to keep safe or rescue). The compound adjective came into common use during the mid-1800s as industrialisation created demand for quicker ways to work.

First known use

1812

1812, in the meaning defined above