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
Some betting operators saw this as an inefficient method that risked overcharging relative to user count.
—
Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
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
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
Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
What this means for you Smarter road monitoring could lead to fewer potholes, smoother commutes and less taxpayer money wasted on inefficient repairs.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
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
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
-
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
-
The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Welcome’s report sees that remedy as ineffective, and the collapse in split-ticket voting in recent elections suggests the group may be right.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The ground game was completely ineffective in wins over the Bills and Saints in Weeks 5 and 6.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share