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
Created through an executive order upon Trump's return to office in January, DOGE was tasked with reducing workforce size and eliminating inefficiencies.
—
Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Where traditional cloud security approaches—such as those integrated into a cloud provider’s service—may leave gaps and inefficiencies between siloed tools, independent CNAPPs attempt to provide control over the entire infrastructure with a single secure solution.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Given his wiry 5-foot-10 frame, and naturally below-average bat speed, he’s never had much margin for error or inefficiency in his hitting mechanics.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
This is in line with Trump’s efforts — through DOGE and other initiatives — to attack government waste and inefficiency.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Amanda Castro
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Where traditional cloud security approaches—such as those integrated into a cloud provider’s service—may leave gaps and inefficiencies between siloed tools, independent CNAPPs attempt to provide control over the entire infrastructure with a single secure solution.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Given his wiry 5-foot-10 frame, and naturally below-average bat speed, he’s never had much margin for error or inefficiency in his hitting mechanics.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
This is in line with Trump’s efforts — through DOGE and other initiatives — to attack government waste and inefficiency.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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The family might not have chosen to terminate the pregnancy anyway, Newkirk said, but their trauma was compounded by the inability to make the decision for themselves.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Gordon filled the strike zone and never shied away from adversity, even with a total inability to miss bats.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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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
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It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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