Search Dictionary
Definition of inefficiency

inefficiency

/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/
in · ef · fi · cien · cy
Adverb:inefficiently
•
Plural:inefficiencies
•
Adjective:inefficient
JUMP TO:

inefficiency Lexical Profile

inefficiency Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of being wasteful of time, energy, or resources; failure to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

Example

"The audit revealed widespread inefficiency in the company's outdated supply chain."

2

A specific process, practice, or flaw that wastes time, effort, or resources within an organization or system.

Example

"By automating data entry, the department eliminated several costly inefficiencies."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inefficiency
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inefficiency

• Rhymes for inefficiency

• Nearby Words

ineffectuality
ineffectually
ineffectualness
inefficiency
inefficient
inefficiently
inelastic

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the negative prefix in- ('not') and efficiency, which derives from Latin efficientia ('an effecting or accomplishing'), from the verb efficere ('to work out, accomplish').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inefficiency. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inefficiency
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.