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 erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively. —Ethan Stone, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out. —Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025

Whether that’s employees getting injured or a derailment stopping operations, unsafe practices are also inefficient, Fleps said. —Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025

Uranium enriched to 60 percent could theoretically be used for a nuclear weapon, albeit an inefficient one by most standards. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 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