inefficient

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce inefficient (audio)
Definition of inefficientnext
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 This waste stems from back-office duplication, inefficient systems, and leadership complacency, often fueled by an expectation of bailouts. — Ryan Dewey Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 If housekeeping loses time because the plan is inefficient, the guest feels it. — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Earth’s atmosphere makes ion propulsion inefficient for practical daily flight. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026 Companies would not respond to an inefficient manufacturing operation simply by purchasing more machinery. — Eugene Litvak, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient
  1. unsuccessful
  2. ineffective
  3. counterproductive
Adjective
  • That ability to learn may ultimately separate successful defenders from unsuccessful ones.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The five unsuccessful trials shared a condition of the test rig rather than indicating a failure of the recovery logic.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • That was less about Payne and more about the ineffective passing game.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
  • But one early research study published in June shows the ban, which took effect in December 2025, has been ineffective.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ineffective
Adjective
  • Getting diverted totally into something which is not true, counterproductive for the family.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But worse, military action in Mexico would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against drug cartels.
    — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterproductive

Browse Nearby Words

inefficiency
inefficient
inefficiently
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Cite this Entry

“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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