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

There are inappropriate procedures and tests, inefficient scheduling, and unused or wasted supplies, to name a few. — Cassandra Thiel, STAT, 8 Sep. 2026

Preserving some manual, inefficient repetitions is sometimes a training cost that can’t and shouldn’t be removed. — Fernando Fainzilber, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Over the next few seasons, Buium’s higher than optimal, second-contract cap hit will almost surely be inefficient. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Another common argument is that single-payer systems are inherently inefficient, as evidenced ostensibly by long waits for treatment suffered by patients in single-payer countries such as Canada. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 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