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
In today’s volatile digital economy, operational inefficiencies are eating into revenue streams.
—
Grace Butler, USA Today, 7 June 2025
The Trump administration previously requested that the Supreme Court intervene, arguing that the DOGE team needed access to these systems in order to root out waste and inefficiency within the federal government.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Not a whisper about institutional waste and inefficiency.
—Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Or that our competing priorities of profit and purpose lead to inefficiencies.
—Wietse Van Ransbeeck, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Grace Butler, USA Today, 7 June 2025
The Trump administration previously requested that the Supreme Court intervene, arguing that the DOGE team needed access to these systems in order to root out waste and inefficiency within the federal government.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Not a whisper about institutional waste and inefficiency.
—Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Or that our competing priorities of profit and purpose lead to inefficiencies.
—Wietse Van Ransbeeck, Forbes.com, 5 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 16 Jun. 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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