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

Conclusion The shortcomings of the traditional financial system—high costs, inefficiencies, financial exclusion, security risks and lack of transparency—underscore the urgent need for a more efficient alternative. —Raymond Qu, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

That is the inefficiency of today’s Western electricity world, with 38 different authorities left to buy and sell power. —Tom Philp, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2025

Investors who acquire a full picture of market inefficiencies and distressed asset dynamics can translate economic turbulence into profitable investments. —Arman Harutyunyan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Splitting the training phase workload evenly among 25 thousand GPUs introduces inefficiencies. —Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 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