Finding the Right One-Word Substitute

The question asks us to select a single word that can replace the underlined phrase: "achieved maximum output with minimum wasted effort or expense". This phrase describes a specific quality related to performance and resource usage.

Analyzing the Underlined Phrase

Let's break down the meaning of the phrase:

• Maximum output: Getting the most results or production possible.
• Minimum wasted effort or expense: Using the fewest resources (time, energy, money) to get those results.

So, the phrase describes something that works very well, getting great results without wasting resources. This concept is commonly known as being effective and productive while minimizing waste.

Evaluating the Options for the One-Word Substitute

We need to find a word from the options that precisely captures this meaning.

• 1. efficient: The word 'efficient' means achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. This definition directly matches the meaning of the underlined phrase. An efficient process or technology gets the job done well without unnecessary waste.
• 2. elaborate: 'Elaborate' means detailed, complex, or intricate. This word describes complexity or detail, not the ability to get maximum output with minimum waste. Therefore, it is not a suitable substitute.
• 3. rapid: 'Rapid' means happening or moving quickly. While something efficient might also be rapid, rapidity only describes speed, not the optimization of resources for maximum output. Efficiency is about how well resources are used, not just how fast something happens.
• 4. magnificent: 'Magnificent' means extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive. This word describes appearance or grandeur and has no connection to achieving maximum output with minimum wasted effort.

Comparing the options, 'efficient' is the only word that accurately conveys the meaning of achieving maximum output with minimum wasted effort or expense.

Therefore, the technology described as achieving maximum output with minimum wasted effort or expense can be described as efficient.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Additional Information: Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

It's helpful to understand the difference between efficiency and effectiveness:

• Efficiency: Doing things right. It's about the process and using resources optimally to produce a result. (Maximum output with minimum input).
• Effectiveness: Doing the right things. It's about achieving the desired outcome or goal.

A process can be highly efficient (using minimal resources) but not effective (if it doesn't achieve the intended goal). Conversely, a process can be effective (achieving the goal) but not efficient (using excessive resources).

The phrase in the question specifically focuses on the resource usage aspect while achieving "maximum output," which aligns perfectly with the definition of efficiency.