inefficient

[ in-i-fish-uhnt ]

adjective

1. not efficient; unable to effect or achieve the desired result with reasonable economy of means.
2. lacking in ability, incompetent.

inefficient

/ ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt /

adjective

1. unable to perform a task or function to the best advantage; wasteful or incompetent
2. unable to produce the desired result

Derived Forms

• ˌinefˈficiency, noun
• ˌinefˈficiently, adverb

Other Words From

• inef·ficient·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inefficient¹

First recorded in 1740–50; in- ³ + efficient

Synonym Study

See incapable.

Example Sentences

The courts seemed as inefficient as the police work.

From BBC

“Urban sprawl creates inefficient cities which unnecessarily destroys millions of acres of land,” he continued.

From Salon

Kawaoka’s research shows “inefficient replication” of the virus in human corneal cells.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump was stymied in reaching many of these goals largely because he was inefficient about pursuing them until the second half of his term.

From Salon

They want one of the plastic industry’s dirtiest and most inefficient technologies — one akin to incineration — to be redefined as manufacturing, which would make it exempt from air pollution laws.

From Salon

Related Words

• disorganized
• faulty
• feeble
• incompetent
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• inept
• sloppy
• weak