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
For organizations that support employees, families, and local communities, operational inefficiencies can extend far beyond internal inconvenience.
—
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
The risk is not only inefficiency.
—Akhil Sivanandan, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
Yet, with margins this thin, even modest inefficiencies become existential, requiring leadership to examine program performance with a level of detail that most organizations never need to reach.
—Courtney McFarland, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
The risk is not only inefficiency.
—Akhil Sivanandan, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
Yet, with margins this thin, even modest inefficiencies become existential, requiring leadership to examine program performance with a level of detail that most organizations never need to reach.
—Courtney McFarland, STAT, 17 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 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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