Inefficient — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt/ in·ef·fi·cient

Meaning & Definition of Inefficient

Inefficient (adjective)

  1. not efficient
  2. wasteful of time or energy
  3. incapable, incompetent

Inefficient (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not producing the desired result

    "inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking"

    similar: counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, inexpedient
    related: abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless
    opposite: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient
    near: availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inefficient

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inefficient:

counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, inexpedient

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Inefficient

Words with the opposite meaning of Inefficient:

effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

Related Words for Inefficient

abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless

Near Antonyms of Inefficient

availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile

Word Forms of Inefficient

Derived words: inefficient (noun), inefficiently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Inefficient

First known use: 1750

Frequently Asked Questions about Inefficient

What does "Inefficient" mean?

"Inefficient" means not efficient. As an adjective, it is defined as: not efficient.

What is another word for "Inefficient"?

Other words for "Inefficient" include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious and inexpedient. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inefficient" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inefficient"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inefficient". Common alternatives include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious and inexpedient.

What is the opposite of "Inefficient"?

Antonyms of "Inefficient" include effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant and ultraefficient. Near antonyms include availing, beneficial, helpful and productive.

How do you use "Inefficient" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inefficient" in a sentence: "inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking".

Is "Inefficient" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inefficient" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Inefficient"?

"Inefficient" is pronounced /ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt/ and divided into syllables as in·ef·fi·cient.

What is the origin of the word "Inefficient"?

First known use: 1750.