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
Air leaks aren't just a problem of inefficiency.
—
Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
Offensively, a 2-for-12 clip on third down could not keep Dallas on the field, and inefficiency in Minnesota territory could not give the Cowboys chunk plays.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Dec. 2025
Traditional warranty models often suffer from slow feedback loops, fragmented data, and operational inefficiencies.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers, policymakers, and experts from both parties acknowledge that outdated laws and complex regulations have created backlogs, inefficiencies, and barriers for immigrants.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025
Offensively, a 2-for-12 clip on third down could not keep Dallas on the field, and inefficiency in Minnesota territory could not give the Cowboys chunk plays.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Dec. 2025
Traditional warranty models often suffer from slow feedback loops, fragmented data, and operational inefficiencies.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 10 Dec. 2025
Lawmakers, policymakers, and experts from both parties acknowledge that outdated laws and complex regulations have created backlogs, inefficiencies, and barriers for immigrants.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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That’s another example of this team’s inability to win on the margins.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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If there's been one issue for the Jets over the past few decades, it's been their inability to find a franchise quarterback.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Because of such incompetence, the city’s finances are a disaster and unsustainable, which will ultimately lead to bankruptcy without prompt action.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Still, at least Geralt has Jaskier, whose incompetence is a regular problem but whose loyalty is unquestionable.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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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
Noun
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Mike Vrabel has blamed his squad’s ground ineffectiveness on his RB stable being too ball-security focused.—
Brad Evans,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The evidence of its ineffectiveness and risks has led 23 states to pass legislation banning or limiting the use of conversion therapy for minors.—
Allison Parshall,
Scientific American,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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