inefficiency

noun

in·​ef·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce inefficiency (audio)
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
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.
The duplication of effort, the ridiculous hours, and the endless inefficiencies were invisible. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024 Start by conducting a gap analysis of current processes to uncover inefficiencies or pain points that LLMs could address. Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 What makes hydrogen passenger cars altogether costlier than their battery-electric counterparts is the lack of fueling infrastructure, energy-conversion inefficiencies, and the price of the fuel at the pump. Harri Weber, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 For some, the agency has become a symbol of government inefficiency and mismanagement. Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near inefficiency

Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inefficiency. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!