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

• counterproductive
• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• inefficacious
• inexpedient

Examples of inefficient in a Sentence

The delivery system was very inefficient.

an inefficient use of fuel

Recent Examples on the Web

The inefficient conversion method provides further evidence that this was indeed a theft rather than a legitimate holder diversifying their portfolio. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Using one that’s old and worn out will be inefficient at best and give you a rash or razor burn at worst. —Megan Gustashaw, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025

In 2016, Fischer started interviewing high school and college coaches, recruiting coordinators, and digging deep into an inefficient system full of gatekeepers. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

But Herro was inefficient on Saturday against an aggressive Cavaliers defense focused on keeping the ball away from him, finishing Game 3 with 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field and 1-of-3 shooting on threes, four rebounds and three assists. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 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