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
Cadillac's performance luxury SUV is expensive to refuel because of its large tank and inefficient because of its design.
—
Charles Singh, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Meanwhile, some developing regions are growing brighter, partly because of inefficient, sprawling development.
—Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
There’s a whole host of players in their late 20s and early 30s on inefficient deals with significant term and some measure of no-trade or no-move protection.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Bolton was inefficient enough that the Astros used Murray and Logan VanWey for an inning each to finish the game.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Charles Singh, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Meanwhile, some developing regions are growing brighter, partly because of inefficient, sprawling development.
—Bree Shirvell, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
There’s a whole host of players in their late 20s and early 30s on inefficient deals with significant term and some measure of no-trade or no-move protection.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Bolton was inefficient enough that the Astros used Murray and Logan VanWey for an inning each to finish the game.
—Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
Investigators said that an initial PIT maneuver was unsuccessful, but a second one caused the truck to crash into another vehicle and roll over onto its side – an incident that was caught on home surveillance video.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
-
Jeremy Brandon Johnson, 53, of Eveleth, was pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
That strategy is becoming ineffective.—
Raheel Sheikh,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
Suspensions One Kansas City food business was suspended due to ineffective pest control measures.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
That assumption is both outdated and counterproductive.—
Adam Goodcoff,
STAT,
13 May 2026
-
However foolhardy, counterproductive and costly, cities have a right to challenge state laws.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
