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
When an annual budget does pass, the Pentagon must suddenly rush to spend, as any unspent funds are returned to the U.S. Treasury, resulting in inefficiency and waste.
—
Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
But that wasn’t much consolation, as the 4-0 loss to Max Fried and the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field not only capped a disappointing homestand but further highlighted the inconsistencies and inefficiencies with the Rays offense.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Mitigating Risks, Maximizing Resilience A streamlined approach to exposure remediation reduces inefficiencies, minimizes breaches and ensures continuous monitoring of emerging threats.
—Oren Koren, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The administration claims the cuts are intended to reduce redundancy and inefficiency.
—Catherine Blackwood, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
But that wasn’t much consolation, as the 4-0 loss to Max Fried and the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field not only capped a disappointing homestand but further highlighted the inconsistencies and inefficiencies with the Rays offense.
—Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2025
Mitigating Risks, Maximizing Resilience A streamlined approach to exposure remediation reduces inefficiencies, minimizes breaches and ensures continuous monitoring of emerging threats.
—Oren Koren, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The administration claims the cuts are intended to reduce redundancy and inefficiency.
—Catherine Blackwood, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 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 2 May. 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
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