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
Within the context of Moore’s Law, the primary bottlenecks arise from the physical limits of transistor scaling, memory and data-transfer speeds, and software and algorithmic inefficiencies.
—
Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Most people would simply accept the ceiling fan’s inefficiencies as a headache and one of life’s unavoidable realities.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
In all, the county is cutting nearly $200 million from programs, according to a budget report, with the remaining deficit closed by eliminating inefficiencies and securing other sources of funding.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Rupert complained of inefficiency, but Diller explained that creative output took time to nurture.
—Gabriel Sherman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Most people would simply accept the ceiling fan’s inefficiencies as a headache and one of life’s unavoidable realities.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
In all, the county is cutting nearly $200 million from programs, according to a budget report, with the remaining deficit closed by eliminating inefficiencies and securing other sources of funding.
—Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Rupert complained of inefficiency, but Diller explained that creative output took time to nurture.
—Gabriel Sherman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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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