as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking
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Recent Examples of inefficient
One is that payments to a narrow group of those affected by unwise trade policies are economically inefficient.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
There have been problems festering — especially with a lackluster, inefficient offense.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Before national rules, businesses navigated a patchwork of state laws that were inefficient, inconsistent, and sometimes dangerous.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Prolonged drought, climate change and inefficient irrigation practices have accelerated the depletion of rivers, lakes and aquifers, while overuse in urban centers has intensified land subsidence and infrastructure strain.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
There have been problems festering — especially with a lackluster, inefficient offense.
—Zach Berman, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Before national rules, businesses navigated a patchwork of state laws that were inefficient, inconsistent, and sometimes dangerous.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Prolonged drought, climate change and inefficient irrigation practices have accelerated the depletion of rivers, lakes and aquifers, while overuse in urban centers has intensified land subsidence and infrastructure strain.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
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The Mellon family foundation did not respond to Fortune’s request for comment, and attempts by the Times to reach Mellon were unsuccessful.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Quarterback Geno Smith was highly ineffective, passing for just 67 yards on 10 completions, while the Vegas run game mustered just 25 yards on 11 carries.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
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Matvei Michkov has just one goal coming late in the Flyers’ loss to the Jets on Thursday, but was once again benched for the second half of the third period after too many ineffective shifts and careless plays with the puck.—
Kevin Kurz,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Worse, the aluminum has a tendency to throw off fragments when struck, producing more debris, which is rather counterproductive.—
David Szondy
October 26,
New Atlas,
26 Oct. 2025
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Still, student editors argue the move to cut print is counterproductive since advertising revenue generated $11,000 in profit from three print editions this semester.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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