What's the Difference Between 'Efficacy' and 'Efficiency'?

In this blog post we look at when to use efficacy and when to use efficiency.

'Efficacy' or 'Efficiency'?

Efficacy is a measure of the ability of a particular intervention, such as a drug or a treatment, to produce a desired effect. It is often used to describe the effectiveness or potency of a particular intervention.

Efficiency is the ability to produce a desired result with the least amount of effort, time, or resources. It is often used to describe the effectiveness or productivity of a system or process.

It's important to choose the correct term based on the context and the intended meaning. Efficacy is used to describe the effectiveness or potency of a particular intervention, while efficiency is used to describe the effectiveness or productivity of a system or process.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between efficacy and efficiency:

  • The efficacy of the new cancer treatment has been proven in clinical trials. (efficacy is a measure of the ability of a treatment to produce a desired effect)

  • The efficiency of the assembly line has been improved by introducing automation. (efficiency is the ability to produce a desired result with the least amount of effort, time, or resources)

  • The efficacy of the new antidepressant has been shown to be superior to other drugs in its class. (efficacy is a measure of the ability of a drug to produce a desired effect)

  • The efficiency of the solar panel system has been increased by using high-efficiency panels. (efficiency is the ability to produce a desired result with the least amount of effort, time, or resources)

  • The efficacy of the vaccine has been demonstrated in clinical studies. (efficacy is a measure of the ability of a vaccine to produce a desired effect)

  • The efficiency of the manufacturing process has been improved by streamlining the supply chain. (efficiency is the ability to produce a desired result with the least amount of effort, time, or resources)

Examples of Efficacy in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word efficacy:

  1. The efficacy of the new cancer treatment has been proven in clinical trials.

  2. The efficacy of the new antidepressant has been shown to be superior to other drugs in its class.

  3. The efficacy of the vaccine has been demonstrated in clinical studies.

  4. The efficacy of the new weight loss supplement has not been proven in clinical trials.

  5. The efficacy of the new treatment for Alzheimer's disease is still being studied.

  6. The efficacy of the new blood pressure medication has been proven in clinical trials.

  7. The efficacy of the new allergy medication has been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

  8. The efficacy of the new acne treatment has been demonstrated in clinical trials.

  9. The efficacy of the new pain medication has been shown to be effective in clinical studies.

  10. The efficacy of the new allergy vaccine is still being studied.

Examples of Efficiency in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word efficiency:

  1. The efficiency of the assembly line has been improved by introducing automation.

  2. The efficiency of the solar panel system has been increased by using high-efficiency panels.

  3. The efficiency of the manufacturing process has been improved by streamlining the supply chain.

  4. The efficiency of the energy-efficient appliance is much higher than that of a traditional appliance.

  5. The company's efficiency has been increased by implementing new technologies.

  6. The efficiency of the solar-powered car is much higher than that of a gasoline-powered car.

  7. The efficiency of the new software has been demonstrated in several studies.

  8. The efficiency of the new system has been proven to be much higher than that of the old system.

  9. The efficiency of the wind turbine has been increased by using advanced blades.

  10. The efficiency of the new hybrid car is much higher than that of a traditional gasoline-powered car.


Efficacy or Efficiency
Efficacy or Efficiency