inefficiency

as in inability
the lack of ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inefficiency Enterprises without integrated systems face inefficiency, which often presents itself as an organizational process. Dmitriy Stepanov, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The Food and Agriculture Organization has noted that some 30-40% of food produced worldwide is lost due to inefficiencies in production and supply chains. Afshin Molavi, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 For example, companies frequently begin without a clear implementation plan, leading to inefficiencies and unexpected costs. Dmitriy Stepanov, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Older systems also create inefficiencies. Abhijit Verekar, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
  • The researchers discovered that the solvent’s inability to mix with bodily fluids is key for the drug crystals to clump together and form a long-lasting drug reservoir (depot) beneath the skin post-injection.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Chronic insomnia — an inability to fall or stay asleep or waking up much earlier than desired — could lead to serious issues, including heart attacks and stroke.
    Andrew Torgan, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • These two Radical Left fools left behind two cities that will take years to recover from their incompetence and evil.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The great tariff turnaround this week was either a sign of gross incompetence or a cruel game played on the world.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
  • When pressed on such timelines during a Senate hearing in December 2024, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf reiterated the issue isn’t a matter of corruption or incompetency, but federal support.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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