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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 As chief administrative officer, the secretary-general cannot fix the Security Council or eliminate inefficiency. — Ian Johnstone, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026 Critics counter that Italy’s longstanding problems, including weak productivity growth, low salaries and inefficiencies in public services, largely remain unresolved. — Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Critics counter that Italy’s longstanding problems, including weak productivity growth, low salaries and inefficiencies in public services, remain largely unresolved. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 This celestial season puts a spotlight on inefficiencies and where our expectations aren’t necessarily realistic. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
  1. inability
  2. incompetence
  3. incompetency
  4. ineffectiveness
Noun
  • The late-night show’s second season premiere opened with a sketch about King Charles and Princess Diana that ended up focusing on Sheeran’s inability to pick a side.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Rampant inflation, the collapse of insurance payments, and the government’s inability to sell oil and obtain the foreign currency needed to repay pharmacies have fractured the supply chain.
    — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • At the start of the 1986-87 season, a combination of previous boardroom incompetence and broader economics saw Middlesbrough not just in the Third Division, but with their ground, Ayresome Park, padlocked.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite.
    — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 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
  • Unfortunately, his ineffectiveness has begun to drastically affect Miami’s passing attack.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After injuries and ineffectiveness derailed his season, the Cubs are trying to sell Cabrera on being this year’s version of Roki Sasaki, who suddenly clicked out of the bullpen during the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series run.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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