efficient
Pronunciation: /ɪˈfɪʃənt/
adjective
Definition of efficient
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort
Synonyms for efficient
- effective
- productive
- competent
efficient in a Sentence
- Energy-efficient buildings help reduce carbon emissions.
Why efficient Matters for GRE & SAT
"efficient" is a adjective that means "Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort" closely related to words like "effective", "productive", "competent". As a word starting with E, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "efficient" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "efficient" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "efficient" into long-term memory.
How to Remember efficient
One effective way to remember "efficient" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "effective" and "productive" and "competent". When you encounter "efficient" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "efficient" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
Related Words
More Vocabulary Words Starting with E
- ebullient — cheerful and joyful
- ebullient — cheerful and joyful
- eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
- eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
- echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
- echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
- eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
- eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
- eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
- eclipse — overshadow or surpass