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
Overloading can cause inefficient fuel use, engine strain, or unsafe takeoffs.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Automating a Broken Process A common pitfall for tax teams is dropping AI into processes that are already complex or inefficient.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Lal said past leaders may have been onto something, but the all-at once change strategy was inefficient.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Leighty argues that Colorado’s overall approach to developing new housing is inefficient and that better planning could help lower costs.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
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Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Automating a Broken Process A common pitfall for tax teams is dropping AI into processes that are already complex or inefficient.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Lal said past leaders may have been onto something, but the all-at once change strategy was inefficient.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
Leighty argues that Colorado’s overall approach to developing new housing is inefficient and that better planning could help lower costs.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 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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