inefficiency

noun

in·​ef·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce inefficiency (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indications of inefficiency include high turnover within your portfolio, with many trades being placed that may potentially lead to a higher tax bill. Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Internally, colleagues across departments provide key insights that challenge assumptions and reveal inefficiencies. Robert E. Siegel, CNBC, 26 June 2025 But the answer to bureaucratic inefficiency is not secrecy and self-regulation. Marcus Friedman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 History has repeatedly shown that socialism doesn’t work, as ideas that seem good in theory often turn into a mess of government bureaucracy, inefficiency, and inertia, setting society and living standards back instead of moving them forward. Time, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inefficiency was in 1749

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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

inefficiency

noun
in·​ef·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce inefficiency (audio)
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient

More from Merriam-Webster on inefficiency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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