inefficient
gb/ɪnɪfˈɪʃənt/ us/ɪnɪfˈɪʃənt/
B1
Inglés
~ 9000
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
B1
property
1
using more resources than needed
Not working in a good or fast way and wasting time, energy, or money.
Patrón de uso:
[something] is inefficient / inefficient [system/method/process/device]
Error frecuente:
Learners often confuse "inefficient" with "ineffective." "Inefficient" means something works but wastes time or resources. "Ineffective" means it does not really work or does not achieve the goal. For example, a slow computer is inefficient, but a medicine that does not help at all is ineffective.
Sinónimos
wasteful (Emphasizes the loss or unnecessary use of resources, not always about how well something is organized.)
|
unproductive (Focuses more on producing little result, especially in work or business contexts.)
|
ineffective (Stresses not achieving the desired result; sometimes overlaps but does not always imply wasted resources.)
Antónimos
efficient (Describes using the least time, energy, or money to achieve a result, which is the direct opposite of inefficient in this sense.)
|
streamlined (Highlights being designed to work smoothly and quickly, with no wasted steps or resources.)
Colocaciones
inefficient system
|inefficient method
|inefficient process
|inefficient use of time
|inefficient workflow
|inefficient engine
Temas
business
|technology
|daily life
|environment
|science
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The old heating system is extremely inefficient and costs us a lot in energy bills.
- This route is inefficient; we waste twenty minutes stuck in traffic every morning.
- An inefficient workflow in the office is slowing down all of the projects.
- Paper records are inefficient compared to a digital database.
- The factory’s inefficient machines need to be replaced to reduce power consumption.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The bus service in my city is very inefficient.
- This old computer is inefficient and takes a long time to start.
- We have an inefficient process and it wastes time.
- Keeping the lights on all day is inefficient.
- The company stopped using an inefficient machine to save money.
adjective
B2
property
2
not working well or productively
Describing a person who does not work in a good, fast, or organized way and wastes time or effort.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] is inefficient at [task] / an inefficient [worker/employee/manager]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes use "lazy" when they really mean "inefficient." "Lazy" means someone does not want to work. "Inefficient" means they may work, but in a poor or badly organized way. Also, learners sometimes say "he works inefficient" instead of the correct adverb phrase "he works inefficiently."
Sinónimos
disorganized (Focuses on poor planning and lack of order, which often causes someone to be inefficient.)
|
incompetent (Stronger and more negative; suggests a person lacks the necessary ability or skills, not just that they waste time.)
|
unproductive (Emphasizes that the person produces little result for the time spent.)
Antónimos
efficient (Describes a person who uses their time and energy well and gets a lot done.)
|
competent (Highlights that the person has the necessary skills and can perform tasks well and reliably.)
Colocaciones
an inefficient worker
|inefficient staff
|inefficient manager
|inefficient team
|inefficient at [doing something]
Temas
work
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The new assistant is friendly but inefficient and often misses important emails.
- He was considered an inefficient manager because his team always struggled to meet deadlines.
- Our customer service staff were so inefficient that callers waited on hold for almost an hour.
- She realized she was inefficient at multitasking and decided to focus on one task at a time.
- The board replaced the inefficient leadership team with more experienced executives.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- My boss thinks I am inefficient because I finish tasks very slowly.
- The company fired some inefficient workers.
- He is an efficient teacher, but his assistant is inefficient.
- I feel inefficient when I check my phone every five minutes at work.
- They want to train inefficient staff to improve their work.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
inefficient
AFI
GB/ɪnɪfˈɪʃənt/
US/ɪnɪfˈɪʃənt/
Sílabas y acento
in - ef - fi - cient (4 sílabas)
Stress on 3rd syllable (fi)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: inefficient
Familia de palabras
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
inefficiency
noun
inefficiently
adverb
Expresiones
Todavía no hay expresiones vinculadas a esta entrada.