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

used inefficient measures

inefficient noun

inefficiently adverb

Synonyms of inefficient

• unsuccessful
• ineffective
• counterproductive

Examples of inefficient in a Sentence

The delivery system was very inefficient.

an inefficient use of fuel

Recent Examples on the Web

When operations are inefficient or inconsistent because the underlying tech can’t keep up, customers quickly get frustrated. — James Loffler, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Critics pointed to technological deficiencies, market distortions, misallocation of capital, inefficient state intervention, corruption, and questions about implementation. — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 June 2026

Emergency measures to shed inefficient commitments attached to depreciating assets and clear the decks for the purpose of accumulating future value over the next 24 months will be required to turn this particular franchise around. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 June 2026

Cameron was inefficient from the start. — Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inefficient

• beneficent
• coefficient
• insufficient
• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient

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