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 is presented as evidence of inefficiency.
—
Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
That inefficiency brought his pitch count up to 78 pitches twice through the Guardians’ batting order, and Roberts pulled him when the lineup turned over again.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
There is still enormous inefficiency in the criminal justice system.
—William J. Bratton, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
If those signals reward activity rather than outcomes, the system will drift toward fragmentation and inefficiency.
—Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
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Diego Schaps, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
That inefficiency brought his pitch count up to 78 pitches twice through the Guardians’ batting order, and Roberts pulled him when the lineup turned over again.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
There is still enormous inefficiency in the criminal justice system.
—William J. Bratton, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
If those signals reward activity rather than outcomes, the system will drift toward fragmentation and inefficiency.
—Lawrence Rosenberg, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 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 5 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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