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
In their final seasons, the critique extends to AI’s temptations and shortcomings, ultimately making the case for the inefficient art of comedy.
—
Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Newsom pushes back on inefficiency critics A major theme from Thursday’s budget presentation was Newsom’s pushing back against California’s critics who say that his administration is wasteful and inefficient.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
This is another inefficient Broward County bureaucratic fiefdom, with people isolated in separate silos who do not want to deal with each other.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Caroline Framke, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
Newsom pushes back on inefficiency critics A major theme from Thursday’s budget presentation was Newsom’s pushing back against California’s critics who say that his administration is wasteful and inefficient.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026
This is another inefficient Broward County bureaucratic fiefdom, with people isolated in separate silos who do not want to deal with each other.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
Attempts to interview him were unsuccessful.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
28 May 2026
-
Trump has denied Carroll’s allegations against him and tried to appeal both verdicts but has been unsuccessful in both cases, putting him on the verge of having to pay out millions.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Colorado’s power play was still ineffective, with Hart pouncing on Kadri’s shot from the right circle on the only real scoring chance.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
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Vinegar baths are similarly ineffective.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
23 May 2026
Adjective
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As a result, the most important clay-court of all chucking players back into their old way of seeing and understanding the contours of a tennis match is hugely counterproductive.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
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But Israel tops all concerns for some leftists, so Greene’s reversal on the issue is enough to win their support, and AOC’s refusal to embrace her is seen as a counterproductive purity test.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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