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

Price controls are literally a textbook example of a policy that creates market inefficiency, but an economist sees some merit in them as voters delivered victories to Democrats who promised to hold the line on the cost of living. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2025

Schwarz also highlighted the need to update the rules by tackling technical inefficiencies at the FCC. —PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2025

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

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