inefficiency

noun

Definition of inefficiencynext
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 The Vikings’ own offensive inefficiency is the biggest concern, while Jonathan Taylor gives Indianapolis a way to stay competitive. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Beyond that, this week’s Bears mailbag saw plenty of questions about offensive inefficiencies and struggles at cornerback, as well as the trade market and more. — Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 No one wants individuals to lose their jobs, but this suggests there were major inefficiencies within the federal bureaucracy. — Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026 However, higher labor costs and project inefficiencies weighed on gross margins during that period. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
  1. inability
  2. incompetence
  3. incompetency
  4. ineffectiveness
Noun
  • And the party’s inability to come together during the final week of the election is likely to haunt it well into the 2028 primary.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The eight-part season was left open ended after Alex ends it with Patrick, played by Rupert Friend after discovering a list of pros and cons, with the inability to have children as in the latter column.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • Whether this was due to incompetence or a deliberate effort to disenfranchise a voter, the overall impression is that ensuring voters can vote is no longer a priority.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The pressure to deliver will be a lot more on Man United players, as defender Lisandro Martínez hit out at the club’s top management for their incompetence following a loss to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of incompetence
Noun
  • Court records show DeFoor has a history of criminal cases involving findings of mental incompetency.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Those forms are not pertinent to the finding of incompetency and are therefore subject to the open records law, Ziegler and Bradley wrote.
    — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of incompetency
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness.
    — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, September continued to showcase the club’s ineffectiveness at the plate.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of ineffectiveness

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inefficacy
inefficiency
inefficient
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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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