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
Drinkwitz pointed to third-down inefficiency as the root cause of last week’s offensive stagnation.
—
Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The 49ers have had to rely far too much on Christian McCaffrey so far this season, which has led to inefficiencies on the ground as teams key in on the star running back.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
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
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.
Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The 49ers have had to rely far too much on Christian McCaffrey so far this season, which has led to inefficiencies on the ground as teams key in on the star running back.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 2025
Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 24 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