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
His administration has been adamant on reducing inefficiencies, setting up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) helmed by Tesla CEO Musk, which originally promised to oversee an elimination of $2 trillion in government waste, fraud, and abuse.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
The game against the Cougars was a winnable one, as Colorado took a 14-0 lead, but Salter’s inefficiency as a passer doomed the Buffaloes down the stretch in a 24-21 loss.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Just like in life, slowness isn’t inefficiency.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
The game against the Cougars was a winnable one, as Colorado took a 14-0 lead, but Salter’s inefficiency as a passer doomed the Buffaloes down the stretch in a 24-21 loss.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Just like in life, slowness isn’t inefficiency.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 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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