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

Example Sentences

The delivery system was very inefficient.

an inefficient use of fuel

Recent Examples on the Web

Critics have long argued the system is inefficient and discriminates against people of color, calling for a broad overhaul. —Sheryl Gay Stolberg, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Mar. 2023

Despite that, Kentucky was far too inefficient and careless with the ball. —Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2023

The Terrapins’ offense ranged from inefficient to hapless. —Nick Alvarez | [e-mail], al, 18 Mar. 2023

After years of criticism for being inefficient and antiquated, the IRS has spent nearly $1 billion to improve its service. —Alexis Christoforous, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2023

Combined with the fact that capital becomes harder to access, this quickly drives inefficient and rigid businesses into bankruptcy. —Abdo Riani, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2023

But those options were often inefficient and ineffective, not to mention rough on the researchers. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2023

The current museum building, which opened in 1963 at 800 W. Wells St., is too large, inefficient and in need of $70 million in deferred maintenance projects, museum officials have said. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2023

A century later, this law has made moving natural gas and oil from one U.S. region to another inefficient and costly. —Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Dec. 2022

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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