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
Examples of inefficient in a Sentence
The delivery system was very inefficient.
an inefficient use of fuel
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s likely to showcase how inefficient classical methods can get — and how much more powerful quantum computers can be.
—
Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
State-Ownership Is Dominant Over 70% of Chinese companies are state-owned, which are asset-heavy and inefficient.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Researchers at the Pacific Institute, a water think tank in Oakland, have examined improvements such as fixing leaks in pipes, switching out inefficient washing machines and toilets, and replacing thirsty lawns with plants suited to the state’s Mediterranean climate.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth NO: Reducing heavy-duty vehicle pollution is a worthwhile goal, but asking taxpayers to subsidize up to $120,000 per truck is an inefficient approach.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
State-Ownership Is Dominant Over 70% of Chinese companies are state-owned, which are asset-heavy and inefficient.
—George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Researchers at the Pacific Institute, a water think tank in Oakland, have examined improvements such as fixing leaks in pipes, switching out inefficient washing machines and toilets, and replacing thirsty lawns with plants suited to the state’s Mediterranean climate.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth NO: Reducing heavy-duty vehicle pollution is a worthwhile goal, but asking taxpayers to subsidize up to $120,000 per truck is an inefficient approach.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficient. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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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