I will concede the point of definitions to Webster.

Duke, Your point on the production of hybrid cars actually using more oil only stands true if those hybrids are made in addition to conventional cars. If the same percentage of cars are replaced by hybrids then the same amount of oil is used to build them. Then when they are used the hybrids burn less fuel if used for comparatively similar driving. This is better efficiency, how is that bad?

This is the same as buying new airplanes which are more efficient. New airplanes will be bought either way. So buying efficient airplanes certainly results in less consumption.

And on your final point about the longer we wait the harder the fall. That is the real argument behind pursuing these technologies now as we develop more efficient ways to maintain the lifestyles we all hope to keep with both fossil fuels and alternative energies.