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.

Scheutz compared this inefficiency to everyday AI tools.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Over time, some organisms have evolved ways to overcome this inefficiency.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Looking ahead, your main risks are tax inefficiency and healthcare costs; with $3 million in investable assets, you are unlikely to run out of money if you retire today.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

So Ruth rose up and out of her guileless inefficiency to claim her bit of balm right after the preparation of dinner and just before the return of her husband from his office.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

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