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
Both were prone to short, inefficient outings last season after returning from injuries, which necessitated an innings-eater out of the bullpen.
—
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
This Pi Day, consider joining in on the tradition of finding the value of pi in wildly inefficient ways.
—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 12 Mar. 2026
Rublev is not the first player to use his body as a highly inefficient smashing post.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
But analysts say the grid remains inefficient, aging and, with demand spiking, on the verge of causing widespread blackouts on the coldest or hottest days.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
This Pi Day, consider joining in on the tradition of finding the value of pi in wildly inefficient ways.
—Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 12 Mar. 2026
Rublev is not the first player to use his body as a highly inefficient smashing post.
—James Hansen, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
But analysts say the grid remains inefficient, aging and, with demand spiking, on the verge of causing widespread blackouts on the coldest or hottest days.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
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There is some hope within the organization that Blackburn can follow a path similar to the one that Luke Weaver took, as the ex-Yank transitioned from an unsuccessful starter to a high-leverage reliever while making relatively little money with the team.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Arrests have proven to be ineffective at stopping drug use, instead heightening risk of overdose and death.—
Grey Gardner,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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What began as a minor irritation turned into a yearlong medical odyssey marked by the lack of a diagnosis, ineffective treatments, and compounding side effects—all while costs escalated.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That seems to be counterproductive.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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In July of last year Steyer sent out a tweet criticizing rent control for its deleterious and counterproductive effects.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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