INEFFICIENT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

inefficient

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of inefficient

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 Clicking on a task opens it up in a dedicated page, which is a remarkably inefficient use of space. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 Critics pointed to technological deficiencies, market distortions, misallocation of capital, inefficient state intervention, corruption, and questions about implementation. — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 June 2026 Emergency measures to shed inefficient commitments attached to depreciating assets and clear the decks for the purpose of accumulating future value over the next 24 months will be required to turn this particular franchise around. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Cameron was inefficient from the start. — Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient

Adjective

Her 36-year-old NFL star boyfriend was also coming off another season playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, which ended with an unsuccessful campaign for a third consecutive Super Bowl ring.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 July 2026
However, the efforts were unsuccessful, according to the statement.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Adjective

Perhaps unsurprisingly, subsequent attempts at diplomacy, led by the ailing diplomat and intellectual Benjamin Franklin, also proved ineffective.

— Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Skunks would rather put up with the strong scent of mothballs than leave a hospitable environment, making mothballs totally ineffective against skunks.

— Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Definition of ineffective

Adjective

What this framework dismantles is a common and counterproductive myth—that friendships either spark instantly or are not worth pursuing.

— Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Johnson continued this week to push for his foolish and counterproductive desire to impose a $33-per-month tax on each Chicago job generated by the city’s largest private-sector employers.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Definition of counterproductive

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inefficiency

inefficient

inefficiently

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“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inefficient

adjective

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