How do you pronounce efficacy?

The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɛf.ɪ.kə.si/.

efficacy

/ˈɛf.ɪ.kə.si/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.68 in modern English

Syllables: ef-fi-ca-cy
IPA: /ˈɛf.ɪ.kə.si/

Scrabble Score

Letters

Syllables

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The ability to produce a desired effect under ideal testing conditions.

Uncountable

noun

A degree of ability to produce a desired effect; effectiveness.

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"[…]and this hath even made me ſuſpect the efficacy of reliques, to examine the bones, queſtion the habits and appurtenances of Saints, and even of Chriſt himſelf."
"No method of verification known to science is applicable to the efficacy of prayer. […] If, then, the efficacy of prayer eludes the test of science, and if even uncertainty may rest upon the connection between an event asked in prayer, and the prayer that sought it, is there any evidence by which the efficacy of prayer may be tested and known?"
"2005, Flay et al. Standards of Evidence: Criteria for Efficacy, Effectiveness and Dissemination DOI: 10.1007/s11121-005-5553-y Efficacy refers to the beneficial effects of a program or policy under optimal conditions of delivery, whereas effectiveness refers to effects of a program or policy under more real-world conditions."
"Toothbrush with improved efficacy"

Etymology

From Old French efficace, from Late Latin efficācia (“efficacy”) (whence -acy), from efficāx (“efficacious”); see efficacious.

Origin

Source language: Old French

Word Breakdown

Root: efficace, efficācia
Suffix: -acy

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈɛf.ɪ.kə.si/
British English: /ˈɛf.ɪ.kə.si/

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

efficacies (plural)

Derived Forms

bioefficacy coefficacy inefficacy nonefficacy seroefficacy

Phrases

self-efficacy

Frequently Paired Words

effect effective effectiveness effectivity effector effectual effectuate efficacious

Synonyms

efficacity efficaciousness