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

used inefficient measures

inefficient noun

inefficiently adverb

Synonyms of inefficient

• unsuccessful
• ineffective
• counterproductive

Examples of inefficient in a Sentence

The delivery system was very inefficient.

an inefficient use of fuel

Recent Examples on the Web

Physicians already spend nearly twice as much time on administrative tasks as on direct patient care, largely due to inefficient digital tools. —Ethan Pham, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

In their final seasons, the critique extends to AI’s temptations and shortcomings, ultimately making the case for the inefficient art of comedy. —Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

Newsom pushes back on inefficiency critics A major theme from Thursday’s budget presentation was Newsom’s pushing back against California’s critics who say that his administration is wasteful and inefficient. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026

This is another inefficient Broward County bureaucratic fiefdom, with people isolated in separate silos who do not want to deal with each other. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inefficient

• beneficent
• coefficient
• insufficient
• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient

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