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
At the same time, independent CNAPP tools often combine several security tools into a single solution, whereas traditional approaches may leave gaps and inefficiencies for security teams to address.
—
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Old incandescent bulbs, which were phased out by the Department of Energy in 2023 for their energy inefficiency, have become an unlikely black-market item.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
So soon because of the prices made artificially high by tariffs, that subsidize inefficiency and poor management, people stop buying.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
So, soon, because of the prices made artificially high by tariffs that subsidize inefficiency and poor management, people stop buying.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Old incandescent bulbs, which were phased out by the Department of Energy in 2023 for their energy inefficiency, have become an unlikely black-market item.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
So soon because of the prices made artificially high by tariffs, that subsidize inefficiency and poor management, people stop buying.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
So, soon, because of the prices made artificially high by tariffs that subsidize inefficiency and poor management, people stop buying.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 24 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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