inefficiency

noun

in·​ef·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce inefficiency (audio)
plural inefficiencies
Synonyms of inefficiencynext
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
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.
One rough estimate puts the annual cost of COBOL’s inefficiencies to the US GDP at around $105 billion. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026 Another issue for the Chiefs was their third-down inefficiency. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 The Vikings’ own offensive inefficiency is the biggest concern, while Jonathan Taylor gives Indianapolis a way to stay competitive. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 At the data center scale, those small inefficiencies compound. — Shiva Dhawan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inefficiency was in 1749

Rhymes for inefficiency

See All Rhymes for inefficiency

Browse Nearby Words

inefficacy
inefficiency
inefficient
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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inefficiency

noun
in·​ef·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin-ə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce inefficiency (audio)
plural inefficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being inefficient
2
: something that is inefficient

More from Merriam-Webster on inefficiency

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inefficiency

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