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

• 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

What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

One is that payments to a narrow group of those affected by unwise trade policies are economically inefficient. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025

There have been problems festering — especially with a lackluster, inefficient offense. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

Before national rules, businesses navigated a patchwork of state laws that were inefficient, inconsistent, and sometimes dangerous. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

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