What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Efficient vs Economical - What's the difference?

efficient | economical |

As adjectives the difference between efficient and economical

is that efficient is making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy while economical is careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.

efficient

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy.
  • * {{quote-magazine, title=A better waterworks, date=2013-06-01, volume=407, issue=8838
    • , page=5 (Technology Quarterly), magazine=(The Economist) citation , passage=An artificial kidney these days still means a refrigerator-sized dialysis machine. Such devices mimic
  • Using a particular proportion of available energy.
  • Causing effects; producing results.
  • * Wilson
    • The efficient cause is the working cause.

    Antonyms

    * inefficient

    Derived terms

    * efficient cause * subefficient

    Related terms

    * effect * effective * effectiveness * effectivity * effector * effectual * effectuate * efficacious * efficacity * efficacy * efficiency * subefficiency

    References

    ----

    economical

    English

    Alternative forms

    * economicall (obsolete) * (archaic) * (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
  • Relating to economy in any other sense.

    • Usage notes

    Modern usage prefers economic' when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting).
    '     Economical     is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.

    Derived terms

    * economically * economical with the truth

    See also

    * economic