inefficiency

as in inability
the lack of ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inefficiency At the time, the law stated that FTC commissioners could only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025 Dellinger sued, arguing that 1978 federal law creating his position states he can only be removed from his job because of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 More than 70 percent of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults viewed corruption as a major problem in the federal government, while 68 percent said the same about inefficiency. Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025 Running numbers Among the stunning metrics shared on social media this past week: NFL analytics guru Warren Sharp noted that not only did the Dolphins have the highest percentage of runs that went for a loss or no gain last season, but there was no team even close to that level of inefficiency. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
  • This creates unnecessary risks for businesses, as an inability to verify VAT-IDs promptly may lead to incorrect tax reporting and potential penalties.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • That meant a cocktail of damaging offensive droughts, an inability to control ball-handlers off the dribble, an inability to stop sustained runs, too many offensive rebounds and put-backs by the opponent, mindless turnovers and second half collapses.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This assumption of incompetence really weathers us.
    Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • In short, Trump-Musk incompetence and recklessness may — just may — discredit the vandals in Washington and rein them in.
    Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • When pressed on such timelines during a Senate hearing in December 2024, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf reiterated the issue isn’t a matter of corruption or incompetency, but federal support.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
  • It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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