Answer: BRUTEFORCE

"Bruteforce" refers to a method or approach of solving a problem by trying all possible solutions without any intelligent strategy or optimization. It often involves exhaustive and repetitive attempts until the correct solution is found. It is known for being a straightforward but generally inefficient way to solve a problem, especially when more efficient algorithms or techniques are available.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Inelegant way to solve a problem. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.