INEFFICIENCY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

inefficiency

noun

Definition of inefficiency

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

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 Leaders should understand their current processes, identify the biggest sources of inefficiency, and establish measurable objectives before selecting a technology. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026 The web of overlapping anti-poverty programs is difficult for people to navigate and contributes to losses from inefficiency. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 These components introduce mechanical complexity and introduce inefficiencies, causing a loss of torque in mud, sand, or rubble. — New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2026 As chief administrative officer, the secretary-general cannot fix the Security Council or eliminate inefficiency. — Ian Johnstone, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency

Noun

But play-in seems the ceiling in light of Davis’ inability to stay healthy, Young’s regression in recent years and this team’s unwillingness to play much defense last season.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
The skills gap often shows up first as an inability to redesign the work itself.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has been revealed as a nest of incompetence in its powerful central office.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
At the start of the 1986-87 season, a combination of previous boardroom incompetence and broader economics saw Middlesbrough not just in the Third Division, but with their ground, Ayresome Park, padlocked.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of incompetence

Noun

Court records show DeFoor has a history of criminal cases involving findings of mental incompetency.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Those forms are not pertinent to the finding of incompetency and are therefore subject to the open records law, Ziegler and Bradley wrote.

— Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of incompetency

Noun

What readers are saying The comments express strong opposition to capital punishment, particularly highlighting the botched execution of Christa Pike as an example of its cruelty and ineffectiveness.

— Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
However, September continued to showcase the club’s ineffectiveness at the plate.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ineffectiveness

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inefficacy

inefficiency

inefficient

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“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inefficiency

noun

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