inefficient

Using more time, money, or energy than necessary to produce a result, or failing to work well.

• This old heater is inefficient.
• The company replaced its inefficient ordering system.
• An inefficient use of fuel makes the journey expensive.

Similar words: wasteful, ineffective

Opposites: efficient

Common phrases: inefficient system, inefficient process, inefficient use

Doing little useful work or being unable or unwilling to get things done well.

• The new manager is inefficient.
• Inefficient workers slowed down the whole team.
• She became less inefficient after learning to plan her work.

How to use it: inefficient at doing something (He is inefficient at organizing meetings.)

Similar words: unproductive, ineffective

Opposites: efficient, productive

Common phrases: inefficient workers, inefficient manager, inefficient staff