INEFFICIENCY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

inefficiency

noun

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 But his YouTube site, Despingovery Channel, became a scourge of the Cuban regime’s inefficiency and indifference. —

Sarah Moreno june 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 There’s no question that this unfortunate cocktail of corruption, inefficiency, and simple incompetence is holding the country back. —

Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026 Mejia argued those efforts increased transparency and accountability while helping identify fraud and inefficiencies across city governments. —

Teresa Liu, Daily News, 3 June 2026 Modernizing Critical Transportation Communications Many transportation organizations still rely on aging communication infrastructure that creates delays, coverage gaps, or operational inefficiencies. —

Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency

Noun

Among the reasons why Southern California was seen as vulnerable, the report said in 2008, was a loss of water due to quake damage and the resulting inability of firefighters to extinguish blazes.

— Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Joseph also criticized the inability of lawmakers to work across the aisle to pass legislation that would help residents rather than focusing on the priorities of special interests.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026