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
These inefficiencies tend to result in less useful product per ton of feed coal.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Economies rotted under the weight of crony capitalism or the various lies, cheats, and inefficiencies of socialism, unless temporarily sustained by external aid (Cuba) or oil (Iraq, Libya, Iran).
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Donner, the director of the Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, said administrative and bureaucratic inefficiencies within the prison system also slow down releases and keep people in prison longer than is necessary.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
The fiber is considered as a solution for denim mills working to navigate linen’s price fluctuations and inefficiency.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026
Economies rotted under the weight of crony capitalism or the various lies, cheats, and inefficiencies of socialism, unless temporarily sustained by external aid (Cuba) or oil (Iraq, Libya, Iran).
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2026
Donner, the director of the Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, said administrative and bureaucratic inefficiencies within the prison system also slow down releases and keep people in prison longer than is necessary.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
The fiber is considered as a solution for denim mills working to navigate linen’s price fluctuations and inefficiency.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 14 Jan. 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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