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

He argued new immigrants would only consume more, worsening Americans’ standard of living and environmental conditions “Urban sprawl creates inefficient cities which unnecessarily destroys millions of acres of land,” he continued.

From Salon

"What you had in the downstream sector was an inefficient, corrupt monopoly," she says.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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