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
In that environment, AI does not solve operational inefficiencies.
—
Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The lawmakers have alleged that the agency partnerships add unnecessary red tape and administrative inefficiencies.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 28 May 2026
So, aside from minor losses due to inefficiencies, the process regenerates one of the key ingredients.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
The panel’s participants were also hopeful that AI could reduce the inefficiencies that drive up healthcare costs.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The lawmakers have alleged that the agency partnerships add unnecessary red tape and administrative inefficiencies.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 28 May 2026
So, aside from minor losses due to inefficiencies, the process regenerates one of the key ingredients.
—ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026
The panel’s participants were also hopeful that AI could reduce the inefficiencies that drive up healthcare costs.
—Tharin Pillay, Time, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
-
While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and poor conditions at the Men’s Central Jail.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
Noun
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This is not an office known for its incompetence.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Not using it signals incompetence; using it signals very little.—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Federal agents have descended upon the home of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, the North Texas mom who was recently sent to a state hospital after an incompetency ruling in the murder of her young son.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
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The longer the delay, the more the system risks turning temporary incompetency into long-term confinement.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Houston’s pitching staff awoke on Monday with the sport’s highest ERA, a byproduct of injuries to most of their season-opening rotation and the ineffectiveness of those who’ve stayed healthy.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
-
Delaying this only demonstrates the organization’s ineffectiveness in today’s NBA.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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