Words / B1

in-i-FISHUNT/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃnt/

Inefficient means wasting time, money, or energy: an inefficient boiler; an inefficient process. Efficient is the opposite. Ineffective means it does not work, even if it is busy; inefficient can still “work” but at a high cost. In business English, cut inefficient spending is common. Do not call a person inefficient in a reference unless you mean their methods waste time — it is a sharp word.

Meaning

Wasting time, money, or energy; not working well.

Examples

• “The old heating system is inefficient and expensive to run.”
• “The old pumps were inefficient and pushed the energy bill up.”
• “An inefficient rota left two people idle and everyone else rushed.”

Good to know

inefficient boiler / process / spending. Opposite: efficient. Contrast: ineffective (does not work). Sharp if used about people.

Near in meaning

wasteful

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