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.
Congress has created more than two dozen multi-member agencies led by officials who can be removed by the president only for cause, which typically means instances of inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026 That round-trip dependency introduces both cost inefficiencies and supply chain vulnerability. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026 Those commencement boos came from a young generation that has watched AI reframe entry-level work as inefficiency, seen generative content flood the visual landscape, and built their own creative identities through friction and craft. — Reid Litman, Fortune, 5 July 2026 CFOs should establish a transparent and streamlined financial visibility model that tackles inefficiencies in payments or cash positioning. — Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 7 July 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 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of inefficiency for Spanish Speakers

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