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Efficient vs Sufficient - What's the difference?

efficient | sufficient |

As adjectives the difference between sufficient and efficient

is that sufficient is equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as while efficient is making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy.

As a determiner sufficient

is the smallest amount needed.

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

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    sufficient

    English

    (Webster 1913)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as,
    • We have provision sufficient for the family
    This army is sufficient to defend the country.
    There is not sufficient access to the internet in the some small country villages.
  • Possessing adequate talents or accomplishments; of competent power or ability; qualified; fit.
    • A two-week training course is sufficient to get a job in the coach-driving profession.
  • (archaic) Capable of meeting obligations; responsible.
  • * 1668 , (Samuel Pepys), December 23 1668
    • ...to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York; for, till Sir J. Minnes be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself.
  • self-sufficient; self-satisfied; content.

    • Derived terms

    * self-sufficient * sufficiency * sufficiently

    Related terms

    * suffice

    See also

    * adequate * ample * enough * plenty

    Determiner

    (en determiner)
  • The smallest amount needed.
    • Sufficient of us are against this idea that we should stop now.

    Statistics

    *

    External links

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