Synonyms of inefficiency

inefficiency

noun

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.

Related Words

• inability
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineffectiveness
• inefficacy
• insufficiency
• ineptitude
• ineffectuality
• ineffectualness
• incapacity
• impotence
• powerlessness
• incapability
• inadequacy
• inefficaciousness
• disqualification
• inaptitude

Dissimilar Words

• efficiency
• effectiveness
• efficaciousness
• effectualness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inefficiency

As businesses evolve, outdated skills create bottlenecks, workarounds and inefficiencies that are often mistaken for workload issues. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Donovan gently criticized Buzelis’ propensity to lean into his midrange jumper, noting that the inefficiency of the shot had driven it out of most players’ shooting profiles, barring a few exceptions such as DeMar DeRozan. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

The web of overlapping anti-poverty programs is difficult for people to navigate and contributes to losses from inefficiency. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

These components introduce mechanical complexity and introduce inefficiencies, causing a loss of torque in mud, sand, or rubble. — New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2026