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
This was a decision based on Amazon’s disdain for inefficiency and having too many stakeholders involved in decision-making.
—
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
Lastly, trucking and logistics names fell as investors believed AI could curb freight inefficiencies — thus lowering demand for the industry.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Frustrated by the industry’s inefficiencies, Huang graduated early and launched RoboParty in 2025.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Ensuring an adequate supply of water and electricity in Texas requires addressing inefficiency and waste, not just expanding capacity.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Sydney Lake, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026
Lastly, trucking and logistics names fell as investors believed AI could curb freight inefficiencies — thus lowering demand for the industry.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Frustrated by the industry’s inefficiencies, Huang graduated early and launched RoboParty in 2025.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Ensuring an adequate supply of water and electricity in Texas requires addressing inefficiency and waste, not just expanding capacity.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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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