efficiency

Output per input

Efficiency is accomplishing something with minimal waste of time, effort, or resources.

An efficient engine extracts more work from its fuel; an efficient worker produces more in less time.

The word implies optimization—getting the maximum output from given inputs.

We need to improve efficiency in the warehouse.

In physics, efficiency is the ratio of useful work performed to total energy expended.

performance

output

What something generates

productivityOutput relative to input
speedRate of motion
yieldProduce or relinquish

metrics · benchmarking · KPI · ratio · utilization · capacity · workrate · throughput · turnaround time · quota

process

workflow

Sequential task progression

automationSelf-operating system design
streamliningMaking more aerodynamic or efficient
optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance

systematization · bottleneck · throughput · turnaround · batch processing · standardization · SOP · cycle time · downtime · queue

economic

cost-saving

Reducing expenditure

frugalityEconomical resource management
thriftCareful use of resources
budgetingAllocating funds systematically

resourcefulness · savings · economical · value · affordability · ROI · cost-benefit · overhead · waste reduction · lean

design

streamlined

Made smooth and efficient

aerodynamicMinimizing drag through shape
sleekSmooth and elegant
ergonomicDesigned for bodily efficiency

compact · modular · integrated · simplified · minimalist · lightweight · space-saving · multifunctional · intuitive · frictionless

mechanical

clockwork

Spring-driven gear system

precisionAccuracy of measurement
gearsToothed rotating machine parts
machineryCollective mechanical equipment

synchronization · timing · calibration · lubrication · tolerances · friction · bearings · torque · RPM · horsepower

energy

kilowatts

Thousand-watt units

conservationPreventing waste or loss
insulationThermal transfer prevention
solarOf the star

renewable · thermostat · LED · MPG · fuel economy · wattage · BTU · power consumption · standby · hybrid

Categories

energyelectricity, power, oil, fuel, gas
productivityproductivity, checking off, prioritization, finishing, output
workplace buzzwordsinnovation, teamwork, synergy, collaboration, proactivity
cost cuttingcost cutting, budgeting, cost reduction, budget, budget cuts
Economic Philosophyeconomic justice, economic philosophy, economic freedom, fairness, equality
machine specshorsepower, torque, RPM, power output, voltage

Opposites

operational performance

efficiencyinefficiency

Suboptimal use of resources

ineffectiveness · dysfunction · inefficacy · unproductiveness · sluggishness

resource utilization

efficiencywaste

Unwanted discarded material

wastefulness · profligacy · extravagance · squandering · excess

capability and competence

efficiencyincompetence

Lack of required skill

ineffectuality · ineffectiveness · ineffectualness · inability · inadequacy

Phrases

fuel efficiencyOutput per unit burned
energy efficientUsing minimal power
energy-efficient devicesProducts minimizing power consumption
energy efficiencyMinimizing wasted power
efficiency apartmentCompact single-room rental
energy-efficient homesResidences built to conserve power

Family

efficient, inefficient, efficiently, inefficiency, inefficiently, efficiencies, inefficiencies, coefficient, coefficients

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G