inefficient
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not using time, money, or energy in the best way.
adj.failing to make the best use of time or resources; wasteful in operation or process.
Simple“The old heating system is very inefficient and costs a lot to run.”
In context“The audit revealed that the current supply chain is highly inefficient, resulting in significant overhead costs and frequent delivery delays.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not able to do a job well because of a lack of skill or being lazy.
adj.lacking the ability or disposition to perform a task effectively; habitually unproductive.
Simple“The manager was fired because he was inefficient and never finished his reports.”
In context“The department struggled under an inefficient supervisor who failed to delegate tasks or provide clear instructions to the junior staff.”
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who does not work well or wastes time.
n.a person who fails to perform work or duties with the expected level of productivity.
Simple“The company tried to retrain the inefficients before considering layoffs.”
In context“The historical report criticised the administration for failing to remove the inefficients who had occupied senior bureaucratic positions for decades.”
Synonymsslackerunderperformer
“After years of underinvestment the service is also highly inefficient.”
“There was criticism that they were underfunded and inefficient.”
From in- + efficient.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.