BharatNotes Efficacy
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
Field-level assessments of the PM Poshan Abhiyaan (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) consistently affirm its efficacy in reducing classroom hunger and improving primary school attendance rates, even as nutritional quality and supply-chain integrity remain areas requiring systemic reform.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
efficacious (adj), efficaciously (adv), efficaciousness (noun), inefficacious (adj), effective (adj), efficiency (noun)
Root
Latin efficere = to accomplish, bring about (ex- = out; facere = to do, make); -acia = abstract quality suffix
Etymology
From Latin efficacia 'efficacy, power to bring about results', from efficax (genitive efficacis) 'effectual, powerful', from efficere 'to accomplish, produce an effect', composed of ex- (out, thoroughly) + facere 'to do, make'. The same root yields 'efficient', 'effect', and 'effectual'. First attested in English in the mid-16th century.
Memory Hook
EFFICACY = EX (out) + FACERE (to do) — the ability to bring results OUT. Picture a key that efficiently 'does its job' — it EFFICiently ACComplishes opening the lock. If it has efficacy, it works every time.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2012 — Ancient India
- Mains 2014 · GS2 · 12.5 marks — Indian Polity
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Efficacy” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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