1. Acting directly to produce an effect: an efficient cause. See synonyms at effective. 2a. Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort. b. Exhibiting a high ratio of output to input.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin efficins, efficient-, present participle of efficere, to effect. See effect.
-f
nt
ns, efficient-, present participle of efficere, to effect. See effect.
