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
Humanitarian experts consider airdrops inefficient and a last resort, something to be done only when land delivery of aid is not an option.
—
Tom Bowman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025
That's not just inefficient but also a security risk.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Piper then recalls how markets were remarkably inefficient and unhelpful during capitalism’s greatest test since the Great Depression.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Transnet has in recent years grappled with a shortage of freight trains and inefficient ports that have cut income from exports, particularly mining.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Tom Bowman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025
That's not just inefficient but also a security risk.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Piper then recalls how markets were remarkably inefficient and unhelpful during capitalism’s greatest test since the Great Depression.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025
Transnet has in recent years grappled with a shortage of freight trains and inefficient ports that have cut income from exports, particularly mining.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
The new complaint was filed 20 years after Burrowes first claimed in an unsuccessful civil case that Combs may have put out a hit on Shakur and Knight.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
All have been unsuccessful due to his status as a suspect in multiple violent crimes.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The American Psychological Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and other medical associations have issued statements calling the practice harmful and ineffective at altering someone’s identity.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
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Companies are forced to place massive bets on drug targets that ultimately prove ineffective or unsafe.—
Miguel Llorca,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the league's efforts to promote unity, NFL legend Brett Favre feels the messages are counterproductive.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
That’s really so counterproductive.—
Emma Madden,
Pitchfork,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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