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
Examples of inefficient in a Sentence
The delivery system was very inefficient.
an inefficient use of fuel
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet Apple still plans to support the older, slower and inefficient Intel MacBook Pro models.
—
Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The company said operating out of the historic buildings in midtown has become inefficient.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
In short, the operation was tremendously inefficient and a waste of valuable resources that could have been directed toward catching dangerous criminals.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
As it’s escaped from inefficient money spent on Milan Lucic, Jack Campbell, Mikko Koskinen and company, it’s thrown more and more darts — not all of them sensible — in the name of building a roster that can win when McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the bench, too.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
The company said operating out of the historic buildings in midtown has become inefficient.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
In short, the operation was tremendously inefficient and a waste of valuable resources that could have been directed toward catching dangerous criminals.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
As it’s escaped from inefficient money spent on Milan Lucic, Jack Campbell, Mikko Koskinen and company, it’s thrown more and more darts — not all of them sensible — in the name of building a roster that can win when McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the bench, too.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficient. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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