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
The game against the Cougars was a winnable one, as Colorado took a 14-0 lead, but Salter’s inefficiency as a passer doomed the Buffaloes down the stretch in a 24-21 loss.
—
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Just like in life, slowness isn’t inefficiency.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
To win this one, UTEP will need to pressure the quarterback and capitalize on UL Monroe's red‑zone inefficiencies.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Yet research consistently shows that most failures in passing wealth between generations have little to do with investment mistakes or tax inefficiencies.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Just like in life, slowness isn’t inefficiency.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025
To win this one, UTEP will need to pressure the quarterback and capitalize on UL Monroe's red‑zone inefficiencies.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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In other democracies, such inability to drive through legislation would most likely be met by a confidence vote, perhaps the ousting of the head of the party of government and a general election.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Fifty-five percent of manufacturers in the state said cost increases have been the biggest impact and 32% reported that uncertainty or an inability to plan was the biggest impact.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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He may be frustrated by the lack of basic defensive discipline and shape and Messi may shake his head at the incompetence behind him, but the choices made in roster construction just can’t always be compensated for by the boys from Barcelona.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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Throughout her many times as a political candidate and office holder, Harris has been dogged by allegations of incompetence and indecision, fueled by anonymous quotes and unbelievably bad public appearances.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
28 Sep. 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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The staff didn’t plan on playing Zackery or Golden much this season, but didn’t have much choice after injuries and ineffectiveness forced a rethink.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Despite the offense’s ineffectiveness Friday, TCU’s defense kept the Horned Frogs afloat with countless stops deep in their own territory — like when linebacker Kaleb Elarms-Orr broke up a would-be touchdown in the second half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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