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 Not only was the Nasdaq booming but the trading of securities was subject to inefficiencies and spreads and emotions that had not yet been eliminated by computers. Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Toss all the deficiencies into a cauldron — the inefficiency, the lack of toughness, the floundering finishes and the talent that doesn’t translate to victories — and the result is an undeniable, enduring mediocrity. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Israel has said the lack of aid is due to U.N. inefficiency. Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Mar. 2024 Because of this inefficiency, doctors often try to fertilize more eggs than needed. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 Taking into account disease classification codes, genetic tests are billed in more than 2.2 million code combinations—, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Rajeev Ronanki, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 The subject drew hours of testimony last session, during which the rising costs and inefficiencies of health care in Indiana came up often. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Feb. 2024 The cost of enhanced supply chain security is likely to be economic inefficiencies. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 21 Jan. 2024 Navigating disparate monitoring tools and dashboards can lead to mistakes and inefficiencies. Dave Link, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inefficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 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
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