ENGLISH
REFERENCE

efficacy

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɛfɪˌkæsi// UK //ˈɛfɪkəsi// ef·fi·ca·cy

n. the ability of something to produce the result you want. You use this word when you are talking about how well a treatment or a plan actually works.

n. the power or capacity to produce a desired or intended result. Often used in medical, scientific, or policy contexts to describe the effectiveness of a specific intervention.


SIMPLE

The doctors are testing the efficacy of the new medicine.

CONTEXTUAL

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the high efficacy of the vaccine in preventing severe illness among elderly patients.

COMPLEX

While the theoretical model was sound, the actual efficacy of the policy depended heavily on the cooperation of local administrators and the availability of consistent funding.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Old French efficace, from Late Latin efficācia (“efficacy”), from efficāx (“efficacious”); see efficacious.

Usage

Uncountable in its abstract sense; often paired with 'of' to specify the subject being measured.

Pitfall

the efficiency of the drugthe efficacy of the drugLearners often use 'efficiency' (doing things without waste) when they mean 'efficacy' (the power to produce a result).

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