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inefficiently
/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃəntli/
without achieving desired results
The team worked inefficiently, wasting hours on unnecessary tasks.
The team did not work well, spending time on things that didn't help.
general
in a way that does not achieve maximum productivity or effectiveness
She managed her time inefficiently, leading to missed deadlines.
Her poor time management caused her to miss important deadlines.
The old machinery operates inefficiently, consuming more energy than necessary.
The outdated equipment uses too much energy for the work it does.
Often used to describe processes, systems, or people that fail to optimize resources (time, energy, money).
Collocations
work inefficientlyto perform tasks in a way that wastes time or resourcesoperate inefficientlyto function in a way that is wasteful or ineffectivemanage time inefficientlyto handle time poorly, leading to poor results
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Combine 'inefficiently' with verbs that imply effort or process (e.g., 'work', 'operate', 'manage') for clarity. Avoid vague pairings like 'think inefficiently'.
Gold Rule
Use for avoidable waste
Reserve 'inefficiently' for situations where better methods or tools could improve outcomes. It’s not suitable for inherent limitations (e.g., 'Humans cannot fly inefficiently' is incorrect).
Word Origin
From Latin *inefficiens* (not producing the desired effect) + *-ly* (adverbial suffix). First recorded use in English in the 18th century.
Usage Notes
Common in business, engineering, and everyday contexts to critique methods or systems that fail to deliver optimal results. Often implies avoidable waste.
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefixefficient
achieving maximum productivity with minimum waste
root-ly
in a manner of
suffixEnglish Dictionary