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
Businesses often overlook the financial consequences of poor hiring decisions or inefficient technology, yet these areas directly affect the bottom line.
—
Raja Walia, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The space weather exercise overseen by NOAA found that inefficient communication between space weather experts and other government agencies and stakeholders likely to deal with the fallout of these incidents could lead to incorrect conclusions.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 16 May 2025
Garland was a non-factor, scoring 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting – including 0-of-6 from three – while Mitchell posted a game-high 35 points on an inefficient 8-of-25 shooting night.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
One area that Spoelstra needs to address after taking some time to decompress this offseason is the Heat’s inefficient offense.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Raja Walia, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The space weather exercise overseen by NOAA found that inefficient communication between space weather experts and other government agencies and stakeholders likely to deal with the fallout of these incidents could lead to incorrect conclusions.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 16 May 2025
Garland was a non-factor, scoring 11 points on 4-of-16 shooting – including 0-of-6 from three – while Mitchell posted a game-high 35 points on an inefficient 8-of-25 shooting night.
—Matias Grez, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
One area that Spoelstra needs to address after taking some time to decompress this offseason is the Heat’s inefficient offense.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 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 21 May. 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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