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

These reforms should address the many inefficiencies that plague the U.S. drug market. —Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Cancer research effectively reclassified as bureaucratic inefficiency and funding slashed away. —Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 3 May 2025

An additional source of inefficiency has been the explosion of domestic government agencies represented overseas. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

But late and dramatic comeback wins against the Diamondbacks and Dodgers helped obscure shoddy bullpen performances and inefficiencies at third base. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inefficiency

• insufficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

Kids 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