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
The complexity of juggling multiple agencies, budgets, and timelines can lead to inefficiency, miscommunication, and production outcomes that fail to deliver their full potential.
—
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The low-price, fast-fashion model has embedded overconsumption into the system while reinforcing inefficiencies in current production and retail models.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
The low-price, fast-fashion model has embedded overconsumption into the system while reinforcing inefficiencies in current production and retail models.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Encourage Feedback From Staff Employees often notice inefficiencies before leadership does.
—Matthew Kayser, AZCentral.com, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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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