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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inefficiency
Chollet views this inefficiency as a fatal flaw, but corporate AI labs do not.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Enrollment is down, which has led to inefficiencies and resource underutilization, said Wilson.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025
For example, Tad DeHaven of the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute holds that tariffs lead to inefficiencies that do not benefit consumers or workers.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025
His vision carried the day, and polls show most Americans support his efforts to attack waste and inefficiency while leading the nation toward a more sustainable fiscal path.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Enrollment is down, which has led to inefficiencies and resource underutilization, said Wilson.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025
For example, Tad DeHaven of the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute holds that tariffs lead to inefficiencies that do not benefit consumers or workers.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025
His vision carried the day, and polls show most Americans support his efforts to attack waste and inefficiency while leading the nation toward a more sustainable fiscal path.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inefficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inefficiency
Noun
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And, his inability to admit his mistakes and face the consequences.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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The inability to take feedback and self-correct is a trait that leads to stalled careers, unproductive teams, and ultimately, costly turnover.—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This action — a mistake or incompetence, take your pick — risks disseminating important information, jaw-dropping in its specificity, to our enemies, and could perhaps endanger American lives.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2025
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Ultimately, these appeals amounted mostly to rhetorical posturing and, because of policy inconsistencies and incompetence, effected little concrete change.—
MATIAS SPEKTOR,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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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It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inefficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inefficiency. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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