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Synonyms for

Inefficient

Adjective / ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃʌnt / Another word for inefficient — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not achieving maximum productivity; wasteful or ineffective

Synonyms & similar words

ineffective efficient ineffective unproductive sluggish inept ineffable inefficacious unavailing useless inebriated inelegant imperfect unskilled unsuccessful unsatisfactory unsuitable impractical incompetent inelegant unqualified feeble

Synonyms by register

Formal

unproductive wasteful uneconomical ineffectual

Informal

sloppy lousy bumbling not cutting it

Literary

dilatory sluggish ponderous

Antonyms

efficient effective productive economical resourceful competent orderly

Common collocations

  • highly inefficient
  • extremely inefficient
  • very inefficient
  • operationally inefficient
  • energy inefficient
  • time inefficient
  • system is inefficient
  • process is inefficient

Word family

noun inefficiency
adverb inefficiently

Usage note

This word describes something that does not achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. It is often used in contexts related to business, systems, or processes.

Compare "inefficient" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The factory's old machines were inefficient and caused delays in production.
  2. The teacher noticed that some students were using inefficient methods to solve the math problem.
  3. The company decided to replace the inefficient light bulbs with more energy-efficient ones.
  4. The athlete's inefficient movements caused him to lose the race.
  5. The government's inefficient policies led to a lot of wasted money.

Quotes

  • Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things. - Peter Drucker
  • Inefficiency is not only inefficient, it is dangerous. - Mari Kondo
  • What's dangerous is not to evolve. - Jeff Bezos

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