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inefficient — not achieving maximum productivity; wasting time, money, or energy

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: not achieving maximum productivity; wasting time, money, or energy

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt/

Example Sentences

  • My roommate's cooking is so inefficient that it takes him 3 hours to make instant noodles.
  • The company decided to replace the inefficient machinery with newer models.
  • Using a spoon to dig a hole is incredibly inefficient - that's why we invented shovels!

inefficient

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt/]

not achieving maximum productivity; wasting time, money, or energy

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootefficient

Origin

From Latin inefficiens, formed from in- (not) and efficiens (capable, effective), itself derived from efficere (to accomplish, bring about). The word originally denoted the state of being unable to produce desired results or complete a task properly.

Breakdown

in- (not, opposite of) + efficient (capable of producing desired results). Efficient derives from Latin efficiens, meaning 'accomplishing' or 'effective,' from the root facere (to do, make).

🎵Rhyme

sufficient
deficient
proficient

🔗Collocations

inefficient system
highly inefficient
inefficient use of resources
inefficient worker
become inefficient
inefficient method

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My roommate's cooking is so inefficient that it takes him 3 hours to make instant noodles.”

“The company decided to replace the inefficient machinery with newer models.”

😄 Fun example

“Using a spoon to dig a hole is incredibly inefficient - that's why we invented shovels!”

“The inefficient traffic light system causes long delays during rush hour.”

📚Related Words

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