English Reference

Word

efficiently

Phoneticsef·fi·cient·ly, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪˈfɪʃəntɫi/

UK/ɪfˈɪʃəntli/

Adverb of manner

Definition

adv. doing something well without wasting time, money, or energy. It means you get the best results with the least amount of effort.

adv. performing a task in a manner that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

Examples

“She works efficiently and always finishes her tasks early.”

“The new heating system runs more efficiently, which helps the family save money on their monthly energy bills.”

“By reorganizing the assembly line, the factory was able to produce twice as many units while using significantly less electricity, proving that the plant now operates more efficiently.”

Examples

simple

“She works efficiently and always finishes her tasks early.”

contextual

“The new heating system runs more efficiently, which helps the family save money on their monthly energy bills.”

complex

“By reorganizing the assembly line, the factory was able to produce twice as many units while using significantly less electricity, proving that the plant now operates more efficiently.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “efficiently” in context.

Verb

01. efficiently make

“New software allows the team to efficiently make changes to the project schedule.”

adv + verb

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or the direct object to describe how an action is performed.

Pitfall

He is an efficiently worker

He is an efficient worker

Learners often use the adverb form to modify a noun, but the adjective 'efficient' is required for nouns.

Real-World Examples

“Google patented a non-destructive book-scanning technology in 2009 that AI firms could use to efficiently scan books—if they were willing to slow down and invest in the process.”
Ars Technica 12 Aug 2026
“Managing heat efficiently inside solid materials is essential for developing faster, more reliable electronics.”
ScienceDaily 7 Aug 2026
“These traditional measures include how much time someone spends in different stages of sleep and how efficiently they remain asleep during the night.”
ScienceDaily 31 Jul 2026

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

efficiently(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference