as in inability
the lack of ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy
The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.
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Recent Examples of inefficiency
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.
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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
The game against the Cougars was a winnable one, as Colorado took a 14-0 lead, but Salter’s inefficiency as a passer doomed the Buffaloes down the stretch in a 24-21 loss.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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
The game against the Cougars was a winnable one, as Colorado took a 14-0 lead, but Salter’s inefficiency as a passer doomed the Buffaloes down the stretch in a 24-21 loss.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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But as the labor ministry’s inability to engage with shows, the state can do only so much.—
Ladan Anoushfar,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
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The issue was his lack of consistency and his inability to limit hard contact.—
Sahadev Sharma,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The agents at Slough House are renowned for the incompetence that landed them there, but there have been, of course, plenty of times when their instincts are sound, their actions are noble, and they’re wildly underestimated, just like their flatulent boss.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
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That was straight Nathaniel Hackett level incompetence.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Mike Vrabel has blamed his squad’s ground ineffectiveness on his RB stable being too ball-security focused.—
Brad Evans,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The evidence of its ineffectiveness and risks has led 23 states to pass legislation banning or limiting the use of conversion therapy for minors.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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