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

The pipeline fracture is capital inefficiency The narrative often focuses on the top, but the math shows the real loss happens at the entry level. —Katica Roy, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026

Sanders’ go-to exercise activates muscles in your core and hips to help prevent the above inefficiencies. —Sarah Klein, Outside, 10 Feb. 2026

This disconnect between individual choice and individual benefit represents not merely an economic inefficiency but a philosophical failure to respect the rational agency of health care consumers. —Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026

In his view, these inefficiencies can represent real costs in resources and operational risks. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inefficiency

• insufficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

Kids 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