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

What seemed like resistance was actually valuable insight about process inefficiencies that, once addressed, improved the entire team's performance. —Heather Heefner, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Lastly, there are some inefficiencies in the loan market, Krug said. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2025

Common inefficiencies, such as old windows, poor insulation, and undersized AC units, exacerbate this effect. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2025

Venturi notes that no offense can succeed with that level of inefficiency at quarterback, and his hope for Richardson is to raise that completion percentage to at least 55 percent in 2025. —James Boyd, New York Times, 30 July 2025

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