Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Efficacy
noun
/ EF-i-kuh-see /
Easy
Meaning
The ability of a policy, drug, or intervention to produce the desired or intended result under ideal or controlled conditions
Origin / Etymology
Latin efficacia — from efficax meaning 'effective'; rooted in efficere, 'to accomplish'
Synonyms
Effectiveness
Potency
Capability
Productivity
Antonyms
Inefficacy
Futility
Impotence
Example Sentence
"The Ayushman Bharat scheme demonstrated strong efficacy in reducing out-of-pocket health expenditure among Below Poverty Line households in its pilot districts."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Central to GS-2 (governance, social sector schemes) and GS-3 (health, agriculture policy). Use when evaluating the performance of government programmes — distinguish 'efficacy' (ideal conditions) from 'effectiveness' (real-world conditions) to show analytical depth. Appears in questions on NITI Aayog assessments, vaccine rollouts, and policy impact studies.
Relevant Subjects