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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inefficiency
So, soon, because of the prices made artificially high by tariffs that subsidize inefficiency and poor management, people stop buying.
—
Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
But Jokic’s individual inefficiency stood out.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
Drinkwitz pointed to third-down inefficiency as the root cause of last week’s offensive stagnation.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
But Jokic’s individual inefficiency stood out.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025
Drinkwitz pointed to third-down inefficiency as the root cause of last week’s offensive stagnation.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
-
That’s another example of this team’s inability to win on the margins.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
Still, at least Geralt has Jaskier, whose incompetence is a regular problem but whose loyalty is unquestionable.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
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 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share