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

There’s no question that this unfortunate cocktail of corruption, inefficiency, and simple incompetence is holding the country back. —Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026

Mejia argued those efforts increased transparency and accountability while helping identify fraud and inefficiencies across city governments. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026

Modernizing Critical Transportation Communications Many transportation organizations still rely on aging communication infrastructure that creates delays, coverage gaps, or operational inefficiencies. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 2026

In that environment, AI does not solve operational inefficiencies. —Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

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