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

Critics counter that Italy’s longstanding problems, including weak productivity growth, low salaries and inefficiencies in public services, largely remain unresolved. — Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Poor execution leads to protocol deviations, delayed data availability, transcription errors and operational inefficiencies that increase risks. — Avik Pal, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Critics counter that Italy’s longstanding problems, including weak productivity growth, low salaries and inefficiencies in public services, remain largely unresolved. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

This opportunity should be used to create powerful structures—not to solidify existing inefficiencies or build additional bureaucracy and double structures, the joint appeal read. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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