Inefficients

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Lacking the ability or skill to achieve desired results effectively; characterized by wastefulness in time, effort, or resources; displaying poor productivity or performance
2. Describing a state or persons who fail to utilize resources optimally; marked by delays or unnecessary expenditure; showing substandard competence or output
3. Indicative of inadequate functioning or management; involving unnecessary complexity or excess use of inputs; embodying a low level of effectiveness or proficiency

Etymology: "Inefficients" is simply the plural of "inefficient," used as a noun for people who fail to work effectively. The adjective itself is built from "in-," a prefix meaning "not," attached to "efficient," which comes from Latin "efficiens," the present participle of "efficere," meaning "to accomplish" or "to bring about." The Latin verb combined "ex-," "out," with "facere," "to make" or "do," so an efficient thing is one that brings a result into being. The prefix "in-" passed into English from Latin, and the root reached English by a similar route, so the pairing is a straightforward negation of the earlier word. Because "inefficient" is a plain prefix-plus-adjective formation, its meaning follows directly from its parts: lacking the power to produce the intended result.

Synonyms: unproductive, wasteful, ineffective, inept, unskilled

Antonyms: efficient, productive, effective, competent, skilled