inefficient

adjective

in·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce inefficient (audio)
Synonyms of inefficientnext
: 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
used inefficient measures
inefficient noun
inefficiently adverb

Synonyms of inefficient

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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.
In February, the IMF separately warned that Beijing’s state subsidies were producing inefficient firms, with total subsidies amounting to some 4% of GDP. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Yet, plainly, conducting store-to-store checks of card readers is inefficient. — Eli Hager, ProPublica, 13 Oct. 2026 Geographic dispersion might seem inefficient to a company that only considers its typical operating costs. — Todd J. Stein, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 Leaky roofs, inefficient heating and deteriorating buildings — those are just a few of the improvements that need to be made within Lodi schools. — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for inefficient

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Browse Nearby Words

inefficiency
inefficient
in effigy
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Cite this Entry

“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficient. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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