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
However, price transparency, market inefficiencies, and fragmentation are preventing scale, according to the study.
—
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024
The nonpartisan analyst also questioned the wisdom of reinstating the costs a year later, if the governor’s goals is to reduce inefficiencies in state government.
—Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024
Dino Lucarelli’s penchant for detail extends beyond the confines of the boardroom, as evidenced by his role in uncovering systemic inefficiencies and embezzlement in various industries.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
However, both of these strategies come with drawbacks, such as energy inefficiency and a limited ability to adjust optical parameters.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024
Moreover, as the U.S. example shows, competition in the space sector has a way of burning off inefficiencies and boosting innovation, generally to the benefit of ordinary people.
—Jean-François Morizur, Fortune Europe, 8 Mar. 2024
These operational silos are further impacted by lagging technological advancement and digitization, an aging workforce, and a lack of skilled workers, which widens issues like poor information sharing, uncoordinated efforts, and ultimately, project inefficiencies and failures.
—Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024
The resulting inefficiencies would drive costs higher for U.S. consumers already exhausted by three years of high inflation.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024
The rise of urban delivery, for example, has outpaced the development of dedicated curbside access areas, leading to congestion and inefficiencies.
—Regina Clewlow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024
The nonpartisan analyst also questioned the wisdom of reinstating the costs a year later, if the governor’s goals is to reduce inefficiencies in state government.
—Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024
Dino Lucarelli’s penchant for detail extends beyond the confines of the boardroom, as evidenced by his role in uncovering systemic inefficiencies and embezzlement in various industries.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
However, both of these strategies come with drawbacks, such as energy inefficiency and a limited ability to adjust optical parameters.
—IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024
Moreover, as the U.S. example shows, competition in the space sector has a way of burning off inefficiencies and boosting innovation, generally to the benefit of ordinary people.
—Jean-François Morizur, Fortune Europe, 8 Mar. 2024
These operational silos are further impacted by lagging technological advancement and digitization, an aging workforce, and a lack of skilled workers, which widens issues like poor information sharing, uncoordinated efforts, and ultimately, project inefficiencies and failures.
—Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024
The resulting inefficiencies would drive costs higher for U.S. consumers already exhausted by three years of high inflation.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024
The rise of urban delivery, for example, has outpaced the development of dedicated curbside access areas, leading to congestion and inefficiencies.
—Regina Clewlow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inefficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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
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