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
The quality of a child’s public school education being determined by ZIP code is categorically unfair AND inefficient.
—
Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026
But cheaper doesn’t mean inefficient.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The heart of the Cuban economy will still be the state-run enterprises, all of which are incredibly inefficient, don’t work, provide terrible service.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Mbappé and his teammates were inefficient to start, with poor touches spoiling attacks in and out of the box.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026
But cheaper doesn’t mean inefficient.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 17 June 2026
The heart of the Cuban economy will still be the state-run enterprises, all of which are incredibly inefficient, don’t work, provide terrible service.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
Mbappé and his teammates were inefficient to start, with poor touches spoiling attacks in and out of the box.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
There were certainly many unsuccessful fits and starts.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
-
Pearson said multiple attempts by Fish and Game to trap the bear were unsuccessful.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Conventional interventions have been largely ineffective, suggesting a rate increase may be the strongest tool left for policymakers to stabilize the won.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
While some viral health trends are harmless—or simply ineffective—others can put your health at serious risk.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
The idea of ever getting comfortable or confident is almost counterproductive.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Doing so while having to perform in games where the results are all that matter can be confounding and even counterproductive.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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