Definition

Not able to work well or produce good results; wasting time, energy, or resources.

Example

The old machines are inefficient and often break down, causing delays.

Conversation

I found that using this old software is really inefficient for our project.

Yeah, it seems to lag a lot and takes forever to load.

Exactly! I feel like we should upgrade to something more modern.

Definitely, an inefficient tool just slows everything down.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inefficient → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "efficient" (from Latin "efficere", meaning to accomplish or to make). The word "inefficient" describes something that does not accomplish its intended purpose effectively or is not productive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being added to 'accomplishing' ('efficere') — that's why inefficient means not accomplishing effectively.

Visually Confused Words