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 There’s nowhere for the air to go if the return is located in another room, and uneven cooling can make your AC unit work harder to try to make up for inefficient airflow. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 When operations are inefficient or inconsistent because the underlying tech can’t keep up, customers quickly get frustrated. — James Loffler, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Emergency measures to shed inefficient commitments attached to depreciating assets and clear the decks for the purpose of accumulating future value over the next 24 months will be required to turn this particular franchise around. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Critics pointed to technological deficiencies, market distortions, misallocation of capital, inefficient state intervention, corruption, and questions about implementation. — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficient

Adjective

Her 36-year-old NFL star boyfriend was also coming off another season playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, which ended with an unsuccessful campaign for a third consecutive Super Bowl ring.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 July 2026
However, the efforts were unsuccessful, according to the statement.

— Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of unsuccessful

Adjective

Perhaps unsurprisingly, subsequent attempts at diplomacy, led by the ailing diplomat and intellectual Benjamin Franklin, also proved ineffective.

— Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Skunks would rather put up with the strong scent of mothballs than leave a hospitable environment, making mothballs totally ineffective against skunks.

— Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026

Definition of ineffective

Adjective

In his letter, Leo repeated the Vatican's offer of dialogue and said that going through with the consecrations would be counterproductive for the SSPX faithful.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
This sophisticated system prevents metabolically expensive and functionally counterproductive perpetual growth, ensuring hair serves specific protective and insulating roles.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inefficient

adjective

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