INEFFICIENCY Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

inefficiency

noun

Definition of inefficiency

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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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 In insurance tech markets, for example, poor data governance can lead to loss ratios, claims processing delays and underwriting inefficiency. — Saeed Amidi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 On the spending side, AI could also help erase inefficiencies, particularly in health programs, where administrative costs alone account for one quarter of all expenses. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 2 July 2026 That round-trip dependency introduces both cost inefficiencies and supply chain vulnerability. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026 That clashed with the law that established the FTC in 1914, when Congress said commissioners could only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency

Noun

This move follows a successful loan spell at Monaco and his inability to impress new coach Hansi Flick.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
The ripple effect of food insecurity around the world from Ukraine’s inability to ship its normally massive grain crops.

— Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

In it, the author described a culture of confusion, stress, and incompetence, as contractors competed for work to be completed under near-impossible deadlines.

— Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
The most serious charges — which included incompetence, negligence and failure of duty — were dismissed.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

Definition of incompetence

Noun

Federal agents have descended upon the home of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, the North Texas mom who was recently sent to a state hospital after an incompetency ruling in the murder of her young son.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The longer the delay, the more the system risks turning temporary incompetency into long-term confinement.

— Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 30 Mar. 2026

Definition of incompetency

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inefficacy

inefficiency

inefficient

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“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inefficiency

noun

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