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Word that means 'able to produce the same amount of output with less input"

English Language & Usage Asked on April 21, 2021

If I improve a process to increase output per input, I can then do two things:

  • increase total output for the same total input

  • maintain total output by lowering total input

I’m looking for a word that means the second option.

Example:

Bob improved our combustion engine performance by X miles per gallon. We are then able to reduce fuel tank size by Y gallons, giving drivers the same range as before. Our vehicle is now more _____.

"Efficient" doesn’t seem quite right. I would describe the engine as efficient. To me efficiency is about ratio. I’m looking for a word that specifically means changes to total input, contrasting changes to total output:

Bob improved our combustion engine performance by X miles per gallon. Our existing fuel tank gives drivers an increased range of Y miles. Our vehicle is now more _____.

"Effective" is my best option so far.

One Answer

Productive could be one option. WordHippo defines it as

Providing a reasonable or high degree of benefit.

Among its synonyms you will find lucrative (producing a surplus) and gainful (not so common).

But looking at another thread of connotation, I also thought of economical which can mean

Capable of maximizing productivity at no expense of extra resources.

Among its synonyms I even found fuel-efficient, which seems to match well both your context and your intuition.

Answered by fev on April 21, 2021

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