INEFFICIENT Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

inefficient

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of inefficient

as in unsuccessful

not producing the desired result inefficient measures to solve the problem of teenage smoking

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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 Inflated costs, poor management with overstaffing and lack of oversight, and inefficient results resulted in higher bills, downgraded of the city’s credit rating, created extensive public outcry, and resulted in the state taking over the project. — Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026 Between rising fuel prices, paid parking meters, tolls, and routine vehicle wear-and-tear, using a full-sized automobile for brief trips is often inefficient. — New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026 His company argued in a May lawsuit against licenses issued by the regulator NMDPRA that fuel imports undermine the refinery’s investment and make the domestic market inefficient. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Officials previously said the aging tower had become inefficient and obsolete. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient

Adjective

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach the other men or their representatives have been unsuccessful.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Other searches to find PBHs near and far, however, have so far been unsuccessful.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Adjective

What readers are saying The comments overwhelmingly criticize the death penalty, describing it as barbaric, cruel, and ineffective.

— Mark Berman, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
These components ensure the right data reaches the model at the right time with the right context, eliminating delays, fragmentation and blind spots that make even strong models ineffective.

— Harsh Verma, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of ineffective

Adjective

Industry analysts note that abandoning the export ban reflects recognition that such restrictions could prove counterproductive.

— , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
His research interests include event system theory and workplace behaviors, especially proactive behaviors (such as creativity and citizenship), and counterproductive ones (such as turnover and abusive supervision).

— Cynthia Lee, Harvard Business Review, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterproductive

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inefficiency

inefficient

inefficiently

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“Inefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficient. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inefficient

adjective

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