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
Starbucks is in the midst of a restructuring plan that involves closing underperforming stores and cutting staff to address slowing sales and operational inefficiencies.
—
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
SulfurSolve aims to avoid inefficiencies by using chemically stable carbonate ions to keep iron soluble and reactive at alkaline pH levels.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Williams’ inefficiencies finally caught up with Chicago.
—Brandon Funston, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
Old incandescent bulbs, which were phased out by the Department of Energy in 2023 for their energy inefficiency, have become an unlikely black-market item.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
SulfurSolve aims to avoid inefficiencies by using chemically stable carbonate ions to keep iron soluble and reactive at alkaline pH levels.
—Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
Williams’ inefficiencies finally caught up with Chicago.
—Brandon Funston, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
Old incandescent bulbs, which were phased out by the Department of Energy in 2023 for their energy inefficiency, have become an unlikely black-market item.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 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 Nov. 2025.
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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