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
If those signals reward activity rather than outcomes, the system will drift toward fragmentation and inefficiency.
—
Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The low-price, fast-fashion model has embedded overconsumption into the system while reinforcing inefficiencies in current production and retail models.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The low-price, fast-fashion model has embedded overconsumption into the system while reinforcing inefficiencies in current production and retail models.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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Clevenger said one of the frustrating aspects of his injuries is his inability to catch his twin brother, Ben, a pitcher who also was Benet’s quarterback last season.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Same inability to rise to the moment.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 2023-24, seven franchises achieved that level of incompetence, which was the first time that happened since 2007-08.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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At least six other Department of Aviation workers were investigated for spending hours idling on the job, demonstrating incompetence, stealing city property, and lying during the investigation.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The reproduction of systemic racism occurs not simply through white denial but also through the promotion of cultural incompetency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
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The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Makarim, who was education minister between 2019 and 2024, allegedly favored Google’s Chromebook despite a ministry research team refusing to recommend the laptop model due to ineffectiveness in regions lacking internet access.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
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Sonic devices and toxic baits are not recommended due to ineffectiveness and potential harm to other animals.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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