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
The erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively.
—
Ethan Stone, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s employees getting injured or a derailment stopping operations, unsafe practices are also inefficient, Fleps said.
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Uranium enriched to 60 percent could theoretically be used for a nuclear weapon, albeit an inefficient one by most standards.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Ethan Stone, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s employees getting injured or a derailment stopping operations, unsafe practices are also inefficient, Fleps said.
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Uranium enriched to 60 percent could theoretically be used for a nuclear weapon, albeit an inefficient one by most standards.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 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 19 Apr. 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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