inefficiency
noun
in·ef·fi·cien·cy
ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient
Examples of inefficiency in a Sentence
The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.
She claims that money can be saved by reducing inefficiencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scarcity, regulation and friction reveal inefficiencies others tolerate.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
But concerns over racial profiling by partner agencies and relative inefficiency compared with other programs led DHS to terminate all task force agreements during the Obama administration.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The layoffs and accusations of government inefficiency have, in some federal worker's eyes, led to a culture where the federal workforce is undervalued.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The reason is simple: chaos exposes inefficiencies and bold opportunities.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
But concerns over racial profiling by partner agencies and relative inefficiency compared with other programs led DHS to terminate all task force agreements during the Obama administration.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 June 2025
The layoffs and accusations of government inefficiency have, in some federal worker's eyes, led to a culture where the federal workforce is undervalued.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The reason is simple: chaos exposes inefficiencies and bold opportunities.
—Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inefficiency
noun
in·ef·fi·cien·cy
ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient
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