as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inefficient
Hunter Tyson scored 18 points in his second career start, and his effort plays fueled the near-comeback despite an inefficient shooting night.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
The erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s employees getting injured or a derailment stopping operations, unsafe practices are also inefficient, Fleps said.
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
The erosion of wealth due to inefficient tax structures underscores the importance of working with specialists who understand how to leverage available tools effectively.
—Ethan Stone, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
But the small farms are inefficient and help explain a national poverty rate of more than 30%, the bank points out.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025
Whether that’s employees getting injured or a derailment stopping operations, unsafe practices are also inefficient, Fleps said.
—Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
But the Supreme Court denied the court order and requests to President Donald Trump from family, supporters and her attorney were unsuccessful.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The officer attempted to put out the flames with his fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The intraparty wrangling has also hit the Democratic National Committee, where leaders are pressuring Hogg to drop a push to primary some Democratic incumbents deemed ineffective and aging.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The Crown’s offensive diversity — featuring 10 different goal scorers this season — proved ineffective against New England’s tactical discipline.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some constitutional scholars still maintain that hair-on-fire rhetoric about the demise of the republic is counterproductive.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business, predicted the measure, if passed would be counterproductive.—
David Lyons,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share