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Synonyms

inefficiency

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

noun

plural

inefficiencies

  1. the quality or condition of being inefficient; lack of efficiency.

  2. 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

"We have to address the inefficiency in the public sector."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

This transformation also benefits investors by providing a clearer picture of which companies are strong investments, because labor inefficiency is expensive.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

Moreover, it was doing this with the most sumptuous inefficiency.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.