# efficiently

/ɪˈfɪʃəntɫi/ (US) · /ɪfˈɪʃəntli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/efficiently
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is an efficiently worker" but "He is an efficient worker" — Learners often use the adverb form to modify a noun, but the adjective 'efficient' is required for nouns.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.