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Definition of inefficient

inefficient

/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/
in · ef · fi · cient
Adverb:inefficiently
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inefficient Lexical Profile

inefficient Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not achieving maximum productivity; wasting or failing to make the best use of time, energy, or resources.

Example

"The older heating system was replaced because it had become costly and inefficient."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inefficient
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inefficient

Word Nuance & Usage

'Inefficient' means achieving a result while wasting time, energy, or resources, whereas 'ineffective' means failing to produce the intended result altogether.

• Rhymes for inefficient

• Nearby Words

ineffectually
ineffectualness
inefficiency
inefficient
inefficiently
inelastic
inelegance

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Late Latin 'inefficientem', formed from the negative prefix 'in-' ('not') and 'efficiens' ('accomplishing' or 'bringing about'), from 'ex-' ('out') and 'facere' ('to make' or 'to do').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inefficient. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inefficient
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