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

The isolation is deepened, some federal employees said, by the fact that most of their fellow Americans see the federal government as bloated and inefficient. —Erica L. Green, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

Adebayo’s inefficient shooting season continued Sunday, finishing the win with six points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025

Burning green or wet wood leads to an inefficient burn, producing excess smoke and creosote. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2025

Musk also posted his views on the Artemis architecture, stating it to be extremely inefficient. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025

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