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
Textron Aviation's revenues decreased by 2% to $5.3 billion, impacted by a strike that delayed aircraft deliveries and caused manufacturing inefficiencies.
—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2025
Supporters argue that auditing the IRS is necessary to increase transparency and eliminate inefficiencies.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Democratic lawmakers protested this week outside the USAID building and the Treasury in revolt against the president’s executive actions and Elon Musk’s DOGE work to cut government waste and inefficiency.
—Heather Hunter, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Feb. 2025
But its $40 billion in annual spending—about 0.7 percent of the U.S. budget—has been criticized for inefficiencies, and many Americans accuse the government of spending irresponsibly on foreign aid.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inefficiency 
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Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2025
Supporters argue that auditing the IRS is necessary to increase transparency and eliminate inefficiencies.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Democratic lawmakers protested this week outside the USAID building and the Treasury in revolt against the president’s executive actions and Elon Musk’s DOGE work to cut government waste and inefficiency.
—Heather Hunter, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Feb. 2025
But its $40 billion in annual spending—about 0.7 percent of the U.S. budget—has been criticized for inefficiencies, and many Americans accuse the government of spending irresponsibly on foreign aid.
—Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
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 21 Feb. 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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