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
This misallocation of resources results in productive inefficiency and a deadweight loss — a reduction in overall economic welfare that benefits neither producers nor consumers.
—
Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Yes, waste and inefficiency exists in government — as in any large organization.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Organizations that are poorly aligned contribute to $8.9 trillion in annual economic losses due to inefficiencies caused by a lack of collaboration and transparency.
—Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
There were turnovers, inefficiency in the paint and a halftime lead that slowly slipped away, leading to a back-and-forth final few minutes.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Yes, waste and inefficiency exists in government — as in any large organization.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Organizations that are poorly aligned contribute to $8.9 trillion in annual economic losses due to inefficiencies caused by a lack of collaboration and transparency.
—Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
There were turnovers, inefficiency in the paint and a halftime lead that slowly slipped away, leading to a back-and-forth final few minutes.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 14 Mar. 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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