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

Multiply those actions across hundreds or thousands of employees, and the silent inefficiencies are massive. —Ameya Kanitkar, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

The lawmakers have alleged that the agency partnerships add unnecessary red tape and administrative inefficiencies. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 28 May 2026

So, aside from minor losses due to inefficiencies, the process regenerates one of the key ingredients. —ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026

Pope Leo’s broader point is that friction, uncertainty and limitation are not inefficiencies to eliminate but essential dimensions of human intellectual and moral development. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 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