Is the English language efficient? (Oxford Economics Interview Question)

This question here is prompting you to do two things: 1) consider the meaning of the word 'efficient' in general; and 2) apply your meaning of the word definition to the English language. For example you could argue that efficient means that the language fulfils its purpose without taking up any further unnecessary time. If this is the case, when considered in the context of the English language, a candidate could argue that it is not efficient as it is not able to fulfil its purpose fully as there are some expressions for which we do not have words for in English. Furthermore, it could be said that the language takes up too much time to speak as there are instances where several words must be used to reference an object or idea while other languages only need a single word to do so. This question is not about simply answering 'yes' or 'no' but providing your own meaning for the terms that have been given to you in the question and demonstrating that you are competent in using your own definition of these terms.