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inefficient

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅ef⋅fi⋅cient

  [in-i-fish-uhnt]
Use inefficient in a Sentence
–adjective
1. not efficient; unable to effect or achieve the desired result with reasonable economy of means.
2. lacking in ability, incompetent.
Origin:
1740–50; in- 3 + efficient

Related forms:
in⋅ef⋅fi⋅cient⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. See incapable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To inefficient
in·ef·fi·cient   (ĭn'ĭ-fĭsh'ənt)   
adj.  

  1. Not efficient, as:

    1. Lacking the ability or skill to perform effectively; incompetent: an inefficient worker.

    2. Not producing the intended result; ineffective: an inefficient campaign against illegal drugs.

  2. Wasteful of time, energy, or materials: an inefficient design; outdated and inefficient methods.

in'ef·fi'cient·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

inefficient 
1750, "not producing the desired effect," from in- "not" + efficient (q.v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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