How to pronounce efficiency
Say it like ih-FISH-un-see. Efficiency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FISH).
- ih
- FISH
- un
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Efficiency pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of efficiency
American and British speakers say efficiency in essentially the same way: /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ in the US and /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-FISH-un-see.
What does efficiency mean?
- the ratio of the output to the input of any system
- skillfulness in avoiding wasted time and effort“she did the work with great efficiency”
Where does efficiency come from?
From Latin efficientia, equivalent to efficient + -cy.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with efficiency
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of efficiency.
Questions about saying efficiency
How do you pronounce efficiency?
Say ih-FISH-un-see. The American pronunciation is /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/. In British English it is /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in efficiency?
Efficiency has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FISH). Broken into parts: ih · FISH · un · see.
Do Americans and Brits say efficiency the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ and the British form is /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.