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
More than inefficient, manual finance operations introduce unnecessary risk.
—
John Rubinetti, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
This is not hyperbole: burning oil to power a car or burning coal to produce electricity is at best slightly more than thirty per cent efficient—or seventy per cent inefficient.
—Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Compared to inefficient gas appliances, heat pumps can save Maryland households $705 annually on average while heat pump water heaters can save households $350 per year.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2025
Hayes was inefficient in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing his starting job after playing in the first four games.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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John Rubinetti, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
This is not hyperbole: burning oil to power a car or burning coal to produce electricity is at best slightly more than thirty per cent efficient—or seventy per cent inefficient.
—Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Compared to inefficient gas appliances, heat pumps can save Maryland households $705 annually on average while heat pump water heaters can save households $350 per year.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2025
Hayes was inefficient in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing his starting job after playing in the first four games.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 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 21 Jul. 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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