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

This celestial season puts a spotlight on inefficiencies and where our expectations aren’t necessarily realistic. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

The public has put much of the blame on the French justice system, which has been accused of slow processing times and inefficiency. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026

One of the biggest inefficiencies keeping electricity costs high lies in the distribution network itself, Manga said. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

But they’re plagued by high costs, inefficiencies, commercial setbacks, struggling carbon markets, and political headwinds in the United States. — Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Aug. 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