Inefficiently

Inefficiently is an adverb describing the manner in which something is performed in a way that uses resources, time, or effort with poor efficiency relative to a standard or expectation. It is formed from the adjective inefficient with the suffix -ly. The corresponding noun is inefficiency, and the related adjective is inefficient.

Usage notes: It typically modifies verbs or verb phrases denoting action and can apply to processes, methods, machines, or human actions. In technical writing and analysis, describing a process as operating inefficiently implies avoidable waste or suboptimal performance compared to an acceptable baseline.

Examples: The factory runs inefficiently due to outdated machinery. The software processes input inefficiently, increasing latency. The team completes tasks inefficiently when procedures are unclear. In contrast, ineffectively emphasizes lack of effect rather than resource waste, and inefficiently emphasizes the means of performing.

Common collocations: operate inefficiently, perform inefficiently, designed inefficiently, implemented inefficiently.

Etymology: efficient derives from Latin and Old French roots related to effecting or achieving results; the negative prefix in- yields inefficient, and adding -ly forms the adverb inefficiently.

See also: inefficiency, efficient, inefficient, ineffectively, efficiency.