Difference Between Effective vs Efficient

The similarities between some words in the English language are so striking that we use them interchangeably without having as much as a second thought about it. As similar as these words may be, they have different meanings and applications. A very good example is the difference between effective and efficient.

Both of these words refer to the manner in which a certain task is done, but there are some distinct variations that you need to take into consideration when using them. We will describe these terms and state their basic differences in this post.

Definition of Effective

Effective is the degree of success in the process of accomplishing a particular task. Notice the term “degree” in the definition. This term points out the fact that a process could have varying levels of success, which can be classified as good, very good, or excellent, with regards to a certain set standard. This term typically refers to the usefulness of something looking at it from a positive perspective.

One fact that shows a variation in the effective vs efficient comparison is the orientation. The former is focused on the process of an operation and how correct it is while the latter is all about strategy formulation that is to be implemented over a long period of time. Below are some examples of the application of this term.

• My trainer recommended an effective diet plan that helped me lose weight
• Our teacher advised us to pursue a career in any field we function effectively in
• He has an effective way of convincing his wife to do what is right for her

Definition of Efficient

Efficient is defined as the most optimal way of performing a task to produce the best result possible with minimum resource investment. There is a saying that goes like this, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.” While this may be true, you cannot deny that there is a particular way that is the best way of skinning a cat. That particular way, in this case, is referred to as efficient.

Having come this far, it is important to note that the major difference between efficiency and effectiveness is that the former is refers to the easiest and resourceful way of achieving a particular result while the former is about the degree of success achieved from applying a particular process. Also, when something is useful, it refers to the latter, but when something is useful without consuming a lot of resources, it refers to the former.

Here are some examples of the application of this term.

• Having the best degree does not necessarily make you the most efficient at work
• Technology is one of the most efficient ways of improving learning these days
• My wife is the most efficient house manager I know

Main Differences Between Effective vs Efficient

Here is a table showing the definitions and some of the differences between these two terms. Aside from the definition, we also pointed out some of the factors that show how these words are different from one another.

Difference Between Effective and Efficient: Conclusion

Hopefully, this post should put you on the right path as to how to correctly compare efficient vs effective. They are both used when referring to a task, but in different lights. The former is all about the fastest and easiest way of achieving results while the latter is about the degree of success achieved with a particular process.

Another noteworthy fact is that the former measures the operation of a particular process whereas the latter measures the strategy used in getting a particular task done.