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

Put simply, the traditional mailroom is inefficient and a liability. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025

In addition, export controls are inefficient, and inflation will follow if inexpensive goods from China suddenly are not as cheap. —Nick Thomas, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025

The first generation of Ukrainian fiber-optic FPVs was awkward and inefficient in design—and potentially too bulky to maneuver through a building. —David Axe, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Kennedy, likewise, seems focused more so on overly simplistic solutions, like firing the staff of FDA’s food center, than on altering the structures that have made those workers so inefficient. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2025

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