inefficiency
noun
in·ef·fi·cien·cy
ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient
Examples of inefficiency in a Sentence
The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.
She claims that money can be saved by reducing inefficiencies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Identifies Areas For Improvement An audit also shines a light on areas of financial inefficiency.
—
Sean Manning, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The program has grown beyond its original purpose in ways that foster dependency, reward inefficiency, and place unsustainable burdens on taxpayers and state budgets.
—Gary D. Alexander, National Review, 22 Dec. 2024
After more than 20 years, the answer is no: There’s simply no way around that inefficiency.
—Bill Andrews, Quanta Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024
These companies have the potential to use AI to route around inefficiencies, unlock new growth from existing talent, and tap into the collective intelligence of their workforce in ways never before possible.
—Ethan Mollick, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inefficiency 
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Sean Manning, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The program has grown beyond its original purpose in ways that foster dependency, reward inefficiency, and place unsustainable burdens on taxpayers and state budgets.
—Gary D. Alexander, National Review, 22 Dec. 2024
After more than 20 years, the answer is no: There’s simply no way around that inefficiency.
—Bill Andrews, Quanta Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024
These companies have the potential to use AI to route around inefficiencies, unlock new growth from existing talent, and tap into the collective intelligence of their workforce in ways never before possible.
—Ethan Mollick, WIRED, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inefficiency
Dictionary Entries Near inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inefficiency
noun
in·ef·fi·cien·cy
ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient
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