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
Examples of inefficient in a Sentence
The delivery system was very inefficient.
an inefficient use of fuel
Recent Examples on the Web
But banking on state governments to match the resources of the federal government—cash, expertise, largess—is an inefficient use of funds, as states in most cases have to stay in the black and cannot use debt for operations like a from-the-ground-up rebuild.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Flood irrigation is still used in some places, and continues to be proven inefficient when compared with modern techniques.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All year long the Red Sox have been plagued by inconsistent offense, inefficient pitching and inexplicable lapses on defense and on the base paths.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
Criticized at times as an inefficient scorer, the career 39% shooter is nonetheless still a top option for creating her own shot off the dribble.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Flood irrigation is still used in some places, and continues to be proven inefficient when compared with modern techniques.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All year long the Red Sox have been plagued by inconsistent offense, inefficient pitching and inexplicable lapses on defense and on the base paths.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
Criticized at times as an inefficient scorer, the career 39% shooter is nonetheless still a top option for creating her own shot off the dribble.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 May 2025
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. 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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