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
President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on windmills on Wednesday, again calling the renewable energy source inefficient and expensive, just a day after his administration unveiled new tariffs on wind turbines.
—
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Much of the current focus and available funding is directed at deploying existing, often inefficient, technologies through subsidies and large-scale infrastructure projects.
—Rob Van Straten, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Although Moscow has managed to leverage the sea to evade sanctions, generate revenue, and access critical technology, that effort has required developing elaborate and inefficient trading and shipping schemes, and some Black Sea countries have also sought alternative energy sources.
—Daniel S. Hamilton, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2025
That boosts government favoritism, distorting the market and risking backing inefficient companies and products.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Much of the current focus and available funding is directed at deploying existing, often inefficient, technologies through subsidies and large-scale infrastructure projects.
—Rob Van Straten, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Although Moscow has managed to leverage the sea to evade sanctions, generate revenue, and access critical technology, that effort has required developing elaborate and inefficient trading and shipping schemes, and some Black Sea countries have also sought alternative energy sources.
—Daniel S. Hamilton, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2025
That boosts government favoritism, distorting the market and risking backing inefficient companies and products.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 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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