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
Examples of inefficient in a Sentence
The delivery system was very inefficient.
an inefficient use of fuel
Recent Examples on the Web
Currently there are far too many neighborhoods lacking access to public transportation altogether, and what does exist is often inefficient.
—
Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025
Bub Carrington continues to run the show in Washington but has been inefficient.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Toyota’s Jack Hollis also called for the end of expensive and inefficient tax credits.
—Veronique De Rugy, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025
To lay the groundwork for recovery, the new leadership must adopt the Syrian pound as the unified national currency, reversing counterproductive protectionist policies on trade and dismantling exchange-rate supports for inefficient domestic production.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inefficient 
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Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025
Bub Carrington continues to run the show in Washington but has been inefficient.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Toyota’s Jack Hollis also called for the end of expensive and inefficient tax credits.
—Veronique De Rugy, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025
To lay the groundwork for recovery, the new leadership must adopt the Syrian pound as the unified national currency, reversing counterproductive protectionist policies on trade and dismantling exchange-rate supports for inefficient domestic production.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inefficient
Dictionary Entries Near inefficient
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficient. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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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