Synonyms of inefficient

inefficient

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt 

as in unsuccessful

not producing the desired result

inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unsuccessful
• ineffective
• counterproductive
• ineffectual
• inexpedient
• worthless
• useless
• feckless
• unprofitable
• pointless
• futile
• unproductive
• nonproductive
• inefficacious
• abortive
• unavailing
• hamstrung
• fruitless
• profitless
• bootless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• efficient
• effective
• expedient
• efficacious
• effectual
• operant
• successful
• beneficial
• useful
• profitable
• helpful
• productive
• worthwhile
• ultraefficient
• availing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inefficient

Recurring journal entries Manually entering recurring entries is inefficient and error-prone. — Dana Miranda, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

By the late 1960s, the limitations of ISI were becoming apparent across the region, including rising foreign debt and inefficient local manufacturing industries. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026

While oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have largely recovered, the cost to get that crude out has skyrocketed because of expensive and inefficient workarounds being used. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Groups such as Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Access Now, Article 19 and others have warned that the convention’s human rights safeguards are inefficient. — Mary Lind, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026