inefficiency

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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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inefficiency That has created inefficiencies among national manufacturers that each produce relatively small amounts of weapons, resulting in relatively high costs. Lara Jakes, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Dennis Hui, Lenzing’s global business development manager, denim, said Tencel 2.2 is a price and quality solution for denim mills working to navigate linen’s price fluctuations and overcome inefficiency as linen can be difficult to control. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
  • His attorneys recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing their inability to persuade him to comply with the court’s orders.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 May 2025
  • The result was a late Timberwolves run and an inability to secure key stops down the stretch, sealing the game.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Claims of incompetence may shield responsible parties from criminal charges but not civil penalties.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
  • Just because there was no big red folder saying 'war plans' does not mean there was no classified information...and this excuse only serves to highlight the incompetence, immaturity, and lack of seriousness for one of the most serious positions in the US Government.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Outside of your job, take time to strengthen your incompetency by undergoing extra training and courses, and attending events if necessary.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
  • It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

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