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
Many organizations overlook the financial impact of inefficiencies hidden within procurement, inventory management, energy consumption and product systems.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Nike zeroed in with its Consumer Direct Acceleration program in June 2020, but by December 2023, the company had to restructure operations with a $2 billion cost-savings plan as the consumer direct strategy added a layer of complexity and inefficiency.
—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
The traditional approach, stocking warehouses with large quantities of pre-sized boxes, hasoften led to inefficiencies.
—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Institutional perks American institutions are built around transparency, public oversight and decentralized authority, all of which help to expose inefficiencies and promote improvements.
—
Wei Zhang,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Nike zeroed in with its Consumer Direct Acceleration program in June 2020, but by December 2023, the company had to restructure operations with a $2 billion cost-savings plan as the consumer direct strategy added a layer of complexity and inefficiency.
—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
The traditional approach, stocking warehouses with large quantities of pre-sized boxes, hasoften led to inefficiencies.
—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Institutional perks American institutions are built around transparency, public oversight and decentralized authority, all of which help to expose inefficiencies and promote improvements.
—
Wei Zhang,
Mercury News,
13 June 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 27 Jun. 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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