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
The way their transistors are linked is inherently inefficient, so for a computer to save a meaningful amount of energy from reversible computing, it must be designed with low heat loss in mind from the beginning.
—
Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 30 May 2025
But banking on state governments to match the resources of the federal government—cash, expertise, largess—is an inefficient use of funds, as states in most cases have to stay in the black and cannot use debt for operations like a from-the-ground-up rebuild.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Flood irrigation is still used in some places, and continues to be proven inefficient when compared with modern techniques.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All year long the Red Sox have been plagued by inconsistent offense, inefficient pitching and inexplicable lapses on defense and on the base paths.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 30 May 2025
But banking on state governments to match the resources of the federal government—cash, expertise, largess—is an inefficient use of funds, as states in most cases have to stay in the black and cannot use debt for operations like a from-the-ground-up rebuild.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 29 May 2025
Flood irrigation is still used in some places, and continues to be proven inefficient when compared with modern techniques.
—Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All year long the Red Sox have been plagued by inconsistent offense, inefficient pitching and inexplicable lapses on defense and on the base paths.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
One game after the Oilers were unsuccessful in challenging that Bennett interfered with Stuart Skinner during the game’s first goal, Bennett toppled over Skinner after getting contact from Ekholm later in the period.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
Efforts to reach Suncor officials for this story were unsuccessful.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Surgery may be considered if nonsurgical methods are ineffective or the underlying cause indicates surgery is the most effective option.—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
-
The only part that is covered by insurance is the damaged and ultimately ineffective safe, Jonathan Youssef said.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Anything that gets in the way of a smooth user experience will likely be ignored or disabled, and thus quickly becomes counterproductive from the perspective of attack mitigation.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
-
Asked whether flying the banner of another country during a protest should be deemed offensive or counterproductive, Kim scoffed and shook his head.—
Salvador Hernandez,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share