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
Use these pilots to identify inefficiencies and refine strategies without the risk of full-scale deployment.
—
Aparna Prabhakar, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The arsenal of democracy will not endure if the United States’ own inefficiencies—or the opposition of vocal minorities in Congress—dissuade vulnerable allies from buying American.
—Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
President-elect Trump and Elon Musk are finding a wellspring of unexpected cooperation from Democrats in their plans to crack down on government waste and inefficiency.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024
Wells Fargo has said that changes the company made in the department aim to address inefficiencies.
—Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inefficiency 
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.
Aparna Prabhakar, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The arsenal of democracy will not endure if the United States’ own inefficiencies—or the opposition of vocal minorities in Congress—dissuade vulnerable allies from buying American.
—Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
President-elect Trump and Elon Musk are finding a wellspring of unexpected cooperation from Democrats in their plans to crack down on government waste and inefficiency.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024
Wells Fargo has said that changes the company made in the department aim to address inefficiencies.
—Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 12 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 24 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share