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Efficacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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efficacy

 

[ˈɛfɪkəsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical treatment

The ability of a treatment or drug to produce the desired effect

Synonyms

effectiveness, efficiency, potency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
efficacy

Use 'efficacy' when describing the ability of something to produce a desired or intended result, especially in the context of medicine, treatments, or interventions.

  • The efficacy of this new vaccine has been proven in clinical trials.
  • Researchers are studying the efficacy of the drug in treating rare diseases.
effectiveness

Use 'effectiveness' to describe how well something achieves its intended goal, often in a broader, practical context, such as policies, teaching methods, or programs.

  • The effectiveness of the new policy will be evaluated at the end of the year.
  • We need to assess the effectiveness of our marketing strategy.
potency

Use 'potency' to discuss the strength or power of something, particularly in relation to drugs, chemicals, or other substances, and sometimes it can have a negative connotation related to danger or toxicity.

  • The potency of the painkiller means that it should only be used under strict medical supervision.
  • They measured the potency of the new fertilizer in boosting crop yields.
efficiency

Use 'efficiency' to talk about the ability to achieve a goal with minimal waste of time, resources, or effort, often in business, engineering, or economics.

  • The new process has improved the efficiency of production significantly.
  • Energy efficiency is a key consideration in modern housing design.

Examples of usage

  • The efficacy of the new drug in treating cancer is still being studied.
  • The efficacy of the vaccine in preventing the spread of the virus is crucial.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The power to produce a desired result or effect

Synonyms

capability, effectiveness, power.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
efficacy

Used to describe the ability to produce a desired or intended result, often in formal or technical contexts such as medicine or research.

  • The efficacy of the new drug has been proven in several clinical trials
  • Researchers are still evaluating the efficacy of the new vaccine
effectiveness

Describes how well something achieves its intended purpose or results, often in practical or everyday situations.

  • The effectiveness of this marketing strategy is evident from the higher sales figures
  • We're evaluating the effectiveness of the new training program
power

Implies strength, control, or influence over others or situations; can also refer to physical strength or potency.

  • He has the power to make important decisions in the company
  • The power of the storm caused widespread damage
capability

Used to describe the power or ability to do something, often in terms of skills, tools, or resources available.

  • The software has the capability to handle multiple users at once
  • She has demonstrated her capability in managing the project efficiently

Examples of usage

  • The efficacy of her leadership was evident in the company's success.
  • The efficacy of the marketing campaign led to increased sales.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'efficacia,' which means 'effectiveness' or 'capacity to do.'
  • It was first used in English around the late 15th century, originally relating to a sense of power or effectiveness.
  • In Old French, the word was 'efficace,' which also pertains to one's ability to achieve results.

Science

  • In pharmacology, efficacy refers to the maximum response achieved from a drug, regardless of dosage.
  • Clinical trials often measure efficacy to determine if a treatment is capable of producing the desired therapeutic effect.
  • The distinction between efficacy and effectiveness is crucial; the former refers to ideal conditions, while the latter deals with real-world application.

Psychology

  • Self-efficacy is a concept developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, referring to a person's belief in their ability to succeed.
  • Higher self-efficacy can lead to greater motivation and resilience in overcoming challenges.
  • The principle emphasizes the importance of perceived limitations and how they affect one's actions and outcomes.

Health & Medicine

  • Efficacy is a vital aspect evaluated in vaccine development to ensure that a vaccine effectively prevents disease under controlled conditions.
  • Public health policies rely on understanding treatment efficacy to allocate resources and approach health issues effectively.
  • The debate about the efficacy of alternative medicines often involves comparing them with established treatments.

Education

  • Teaching methods are often evaluated based on their efficacy in improving student learning outcomes.
  • Curriculum efficacy studies analyze how well educational programs achieve their stated goals.
  • Understanding the efficacy of different learning strategies can lead to better educational practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "efficacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eficácia

🇮🇳 प्रभावशीलता

🇩🇪 Wirksamkeit

🇮🇩 efikasi

🇺🇦 ефективність

🇵🇱 skuteczność

🇯🇵 効能

🇫🇷 efficacité

🇪🇸 eficacia

🇹🇷 etkililik

🇰🇷 효능

🇸🇦 فعالية

🇨🇿 účinnost

🇸🇰 účinnosť

🇨🇳 效果

🇸🇮 učinkovitost

🇮🇸 virkni

🇰🇿 тиімділік

🇬🇪 ეფექტურობა

🇦🇿 effektivlik

🇲🇽 eficacia

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,704 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.