inefficient

adjective

in·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce inefficient (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bottlenecks Of Traditional Remediation In non-DevOps environments, fixing even a single vulnerability can be an inefficient, multi-team process. Edouard Viot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, Rozier had another inefficient night, shooting 2 for 9 with five points in 25 minutes off the bench. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025 This increase in cost ratio is due to lower sales volumes and inefficient labor costs. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025 However, technical reports suggest that assessments of these and some other critical minerals are based on outdated geologic data, that a significant number of mines are inactive due to the war, and that many employ older, inefficient technology. Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inefficient

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inefficient was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficient. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inefficient

adjective
in·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce inefficient (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inefficient

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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