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

But without centralized tools, buying ads and optimizing ad spend was inefficient. —Stockstory Team, CNBC, 22 Feb. 2025

But fires were inefficient, firewood was frequently stolen, and homes were easily burned down. —Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025

But the administrative state is the quiet hand of cronyism working for decades in the most inefficient, sinister ways. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Phone trees are almost universally disliked, inefficient and costly. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 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