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
Brentford were inefficient with their finishing against West Ham on Monday, converting just one of five in a dominant display.
—
Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
The videos pop up instantly—before my brain has had time to picture the prompts using my own imagination, as if the act of dreaming has been rendered obsolete, inefficient.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
His lab is focused on improving the chemical synthesis of mirror proteins, a process which is currently very inefficient.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Some betting operators saw this as an inefficient method that risked overcharging relative to user count.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
The videos pop up instantly—before my brain has had time to picture the prompts using my own imagination, as if the act of dreaming has been rendered obsolete, inefficient.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
His lab is focused on improving the chemical synthesis of mirror proteins, a process which is currently very inefficient.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Some betting operators saw this as an inefficient method that risked overcharging relative to user count.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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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