Being Effective

Being Effective is often said to be a good thing. And naturally we have an idea of what is effective. But in english there are three different words on different aspects of being effective:

Effectiveness

"Doing the right thing". That is getting the desired result. I usually think of this as not goofing around but focus on the main task.

Efficiency

"Doing things right". That is without waste of time, materials, energy and other resources. And still with success.

Efficacy

"Doing with maximum response". Usually this term is used in pharmacology when maximum response is achieved.

In Danish we only have one word on being effective (Effektiv)...

The three terms are also discussed in the article "The difference between efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency".