Noun

(en noun)

conscientiousness or determination or perseverance when doing something

A public stage-coach. (19th century, now used only in reference to France or other European countries including Great Britain.)

* 1818 , , Volume 1, Chapter V:

Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the various diligences and carriages usually stopped.

* {{quote-book

, year=1879 , author= , title= , passage=Being in a civilised country of stage-coaches, I determined to sell my lady friend and be off by the diligence that afternoon.}}

(legal, Scotland) The process by which persons, lands, or effects are seized for debt; process for enforcing the attendance of witnesses or the production of writings.

Noun

The extent to which time is well used for the intended task.

The efficiency of the planning department is deplorable.

* {{quote-news

, year=2012 , date=September 7 , author=Phil McNulty , title=Moldova 0-5 England , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=The display and result must be placed in the context that was it was against a side that looked every bit their Fifa world ranking of 141 - but England completed the job with efficiency to record their biggest away win in 19 years.}}

(dated) The quality of producing an effect or effects.

* Hooker

The manner of this divine efficiency being far above us.

The extent to which a resource, such as electricity, is used for the intended purpose; the ratio of useful work to energy expended.

The efficiency of this loudspeaker is 40%.

(United States) A one-room apartment.

I have an efficiency available June through July.

fully-furnished efficiencies