inefficient

adjective

in·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt 

: not efficient: such as

a

: wasteful of time or energy

inefficient operating procedures

b

: incapable, incompetent

an inefficient worker

c

: not producing the effect intended or desired

inefficient noun

inefficiently adverb

Synonyms

• counterproductive
• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• inefficacious
• inexpedient

Examples of inefficient in a Sentence

The delivery system was very inefficient.

an inefficient use of fuel

Recent Examples on the Web

Create a Department of Government Efficiency Fund Regulatory bloat is not only costly for businesses but also for taxpayers who foot the bill for wasteful and inefficient agencies. —James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

These reactions show generalized anger over the lack of control people have over their economic lives, exemplified specifically on how health care is provided and paid for in our nation and how that unjust and inefficient system has been allowed, if not openly fostered, by government policy. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Dec. 2024

Many of these cuts were necessary to rein in a bloated, inefficient and spendthrift state. —Hanna Ziady, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024

In the other, Golden State’s inefficient 31.6% night was just barely enough for Denver to scrape by with a 119-115 win that required an 11-point comeback in the last six minutes. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inefficient

adjective

in·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ənt 

1

: not producing the effect expected or desired

inefficient regulations

2

: wasteful of time or energy

inefficient procedures

especially : accomplishing little relative to the time spent or effort expended

an inefficient worker

inefficiently adverb