Inefficiently: meaning, definitions and examples

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inefficiently

 

[ ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃəntli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

using too much time, money, or energy

Not achieving maximum productivity with the resources available; not making the best use of time, money, or effort. Working in an inefficient manner can lead to wasted resources and lower overall productivity.

Synonyms

ineffectively, ineptly, unproductively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inefficiently

Used when something is done in a way that wastes time, resources, or effort. Emphasizes poor use of resources.

  • The machine runs inefficiently, consuming too much power for the output it produces
ineffectively

Used when an action or method fails to achieve the desired result. Emphasizes unsuccessful outcomes.

  • The medicine was administered ineffectively, leading to no improvement in the patient's condition
unproductively

Used when an effort or activity leads to little or no beneficial result. Focuses on lack of productive output.

  • She spent the entire afternoon working unproductively, with nothing to show for her time
ineptly

Used when someone performs a task in a very clumsy, awkward, or unskillful manner. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He handled the negotiations ineptly, causing the deal to fall through

Examples of usage

  • He completed the project inefficiently, taking twice as long as necessary.
  • She managed her time inefficiently, leading to missed deadlines.
  • The company operated inefficiently, resulting in financial losses.

Translations

Translations of the word "inefficiently" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ineficientemente

🇮🇳 अप्रभावी तरीके से

🇩🇪 ineffizient

🇮🇩 tidak efisien

🇺🇦 неефективно

🇵🇱 nieskutecznie

🇯🇵 非効率的に (ひこうりつてきに)

🇫🇷 inefficacement

🇪🇸 ineficientemente

🇹🇷 verimsizce

🇰🇷 비효율적으로 (bihyoillyeokjeogeuro)

🇸🇦 بشكل غير فعال

🇨🇿 neefektivně

🇸🇰 neefektívne

🇨🇳 低效地 (dīxiào de)

🇸🇮 neučinkovito

🇮🇸 óskilvirkt

🇰🇿 тиімсіз

🇬🇪 არაეფექტურად (araep'ekt'urad)

🇦🇿 səmərəsiz

🇲🇽 ineficientemente

Etymology

The word 'inefficiently' is derived from the word 'inefficient,' which first appeared in the early 19th century. The prefix 'in-' signifies 'not,' while 'efficient' comes from the Latin word 'efficiens,' meaning 'accomplishing,' from the verb 'efficere,' meaning 'to accomplish.' Therefore, 'inefficiently' describes the state of not accomplishing or achieving maximum productivity. The concept of efficiency has been a key focus in various fields, including economics, engineering, and business management, emphasizing the importance of optimizing resources to achieve desired outcomes.

See also: efficiency, efficient, efficiently, inefficient.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,285, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.