Synonyms

inefficiency

American

[in-i-fish-uhn-see] / ˌɪn ɪˈfɪʃ ən si /

noun

plural

inefficiencies

the quality or condition of being inefficient; lack of efficiency.
an instance of inefficiency.

This work is riddled with inefficiencies.

Etymology

Origin of inefficiency

First recorded in 1740–50; ineffici(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Board members can only be removed for cause, meaning malfeasance, inefficiency, or neglect in their duties.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

Scheutz compared this inefficiency to everyday AI tools.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Government inefficiency still plagues the country, and it has the worst pollution on the planet.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

That lack of standardization can create inefficiency in the massive organization, which employed about 121,000 people at the beginning of 2025 and forecasts revenue of up to $74.75 billion for that year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

“It made me feel good that there was such inefficiency to this market,” he said.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023