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
Meanwhile, Dustin May shook off his inefficient Red Sox debut and was much sharper his second time out in Houston.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Yet many leaders fail to set clear communication norms, resulting in burnout, inefficient onboarding, wasted time, and reduced productivity.
—Charles Dorison, Harvard Business Review, 6 Aug. 2025
Generally, though, utilities such as Xcel Energy, Intermountain Power Agency and Tri-State Generation & Transmission are moving forward with plans to retire their coal plants, namely because the aging facilities are dirty, inefficient, inflexible and, most of all, no longer profitable.
—Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025
There were two other good starts in there as well, but over his last three, he’s been inefficient at best and uncompetitive at worst.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Yet many leaders fail to set clear communication norms, resulting in burnout, inefficient onboarding, wasted time, and reduced productivity.
—Charles Dorison, Harvard Business Review, 6 Aug. 2025
Generally, though, utilities such as Xcel Energy, Intermountain Power Agency and Tri-State Generation & Transmission are moving forward with plans to retire their coal plants, namely because the aging facilities are dirty, inefficient, inflexible and, most of all, no longer profitable.
—Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2025
There were two other good starts in there as well, but over his last three, he’s been inefficient at best and uncompetitive at worst.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
Adjective
-
Meyer said efforts to relocate the warehouse were unsuccessful.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Marsh’s years of litigation against the city have been unsuccessful so far.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Both are injured right now, and Montas has been ineffective when healthy.—
Daniel R. Epstein,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Pans with iron or steel in their bases work best; induction heating is ineffective with all-aluminum utensils.—
Ian Baker
August 26,
New Atlas,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This can be counterproductive for long-term weight management, as muscle loss can lower the number of calories burned at rest.—
Sarah Jividen,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
-
Observers have noted that closing the Strait of Hormuz would be counterproductive for Iran, which relies on the waterway to get its own oil to customers, mostly in China.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share