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
Sarr sat at rock bottom among bigs in points per shot attempt, ranking in the sixth percentile, largely because of his high volume of 3-point attempts and low percentage of makes but also because of his inefficiencies within the paint.
—
Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Kyobutungi, despite her critique of inefficiencies in the aid system, urged a more deliberate approach.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
By addressing one of the most persistent inefficiencies in combination vehicles, Tesla could make towing more energy-efficient and less aerodynamically penalizing, reinforcing the Cybertruck’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of both style and functionality, reports Electrek.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The budget director wrote the project’s chapter on the Executive Office of the President, arguing that the bureaucracy is riddled with inefficiencies and corruption.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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.
Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Kyobutungi, despite her critique of inefficiencies in the aid system, urged a more deliberate approach.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
By addressing one of the most persistent inefficiencies in combination vehicles, Tesla could make towing more energy-efficient and less aerodynamically penalizing, reinforcing the Cybertruck’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of both style and functionality, reports Electrek.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025
The budget director wrote the project’s chapter on the Executive Office of the President, arguing that the bureaucracy is riddled with inefficiencies and corruption.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 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 9 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share