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

On top of that, passive learning tends to be slow and inefficient. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Niccol aims to tackle issues contributing to longer wait times, such as inadequate staffing during peak hours and inefficient food preparation. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

But human rights agencies have repeatedly condemned airdrops as an inefficient way of getting aid to Palestinians in Gaza, instead urging Israeli authorities to lift controls on land crossings into the enclave. —Abeer Salman, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024

The impact is meetings that are inappropriate, ill-timed or inefficient or that involve the wrong people. —Chris Williams, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

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