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
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Recent Examples of inefficiency
Riddle thinks this apparent inefficiency may be unavoidable.
—
ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
For too long, FEMA was bogged down by red tape, inefficiency, and outdated processes that failed to get disaster dollars into survivors’ hands.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025
Other things contributing to long wait times include inefficiencies with the appointment system, staff turnover and staff availability, Willer wrote.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
The Growth Committee is oriented towards portfolio management, including finding tuck-in M&A opportunities to supplement organic growth, allocating research and development more effectively, and reviewing its existing portfolio of businesses for inefficiencies to pursue future asset sales.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
For too long, FEMA was bogged down by red tape, inefficiency, and outdated processes that failed to get disaster dollars into survivors’ hands.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025
Other things contributing to long wait times include inefficiencies with the appointment system, staff turnover and staff availability, Willer wrote.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
The Growth Committee is oriented towards portfolio management, including finding tuck-in M&A opportunities to supplement organic growth, allocating research and development more effectively, and reviewing its existing portfolio of businesses for inefficiencies to pursue future asset sales.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 23 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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If the continuity, cohesion and familiarity offered by those who stayed does not prove enough to keep Leeds in the league, the inability to sell efficiently in the summer window will be seen as one of the failings.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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France meanwhile faces an inability to push through budget legislation and a public unwilling to accept the spending cuts or tax increases needed to change its economic fundamentals.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Cloobeck is also running a television ad in Orange County – where the California Republican Party’s convention takes place this weekend – accusing Bianco of corruption and incompetence.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Beyond Venezuelan incompetence, American pressure and fears of uncontrollable escalation may be driving Chinese caution.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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Portalatin’s petition seeks to remove Wilder and Saenz using a statute in the Texas Local Government Code that allows for citizens to seek public officials’ removal due to incompetency, official misconduct or drunkenness both on and off duty.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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He's played just 15 of 32 games and suffered multiple injuries and been benched for ineffectiveness multiple times.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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