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
Indications of inefficiency include high turnover within your portfolio, with many trades being placed that may potentially lead to a higher tax bill.
—
Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Internally, colleagues across departments provide key insights that challenge assumptions and reveal inefficiencies.
—Robert E. Siegel, CNBC, 26 June 2025
But the answer to bureaucratic inefficiency is not secrecy and self-regulation.
—Marcus Friedman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
History has repeatedly shown that socialism doesn’t work, as ideas that seem good in theory often turn into a mess of government bureaucracy, inefficiency, and inertia, setting society and living standards back instead of moving them forward.
—Time, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Internally, colleagues across departments provide key insights that challenge assumptions and reveal inefficiencies.
—Robert E. Siegel, CNBC, 26 June 2025
But the answer to bureaucratic inefficiency is not secrecy and self-regulation.
—Marcus Friedman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
History has repeatedly shown that socialism doesn’t work, as ideas that seem good in theory often turn into a mess of government bureaucracy, inefficiency, and inertia, setting society and living standards back instead of moving them forward.
—Time, 26 June 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 6 Jul. 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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