Inefficiency — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē/ in·ef·fi·cien·cy

Meaning & Definition of Inefficiency

Inefficiency (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being inefficient
  2. something that is inefficient

Inefficiency (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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."

    similar: ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness, disqualification, inaptitude
    opposite: effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inefficiency

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inefficiency:

ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness, disqualification, inaptitude

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Inefficiency

Words with the opposite meaning of Inefficiency:

effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency

Word Forms of Inefficiency

Inflections: inefficiencies

Origin & Etymology of Inefficiency

First known use: 1749

Frequently Asked Questions about Inefficiency

What does "Inefficiency" mean?

"Inefficiency" means the quality or state of being inefficient. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being inefficient.

What is another word for "Inefficiency"?

Other words for "Inefficiency" include ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, impotence, inability and inadequacy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inefficiency" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inefficiency"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inefficiency". Common alternatives include ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability and incapacity.

What is the opposite of "Inefficiency"?

Antonyms of "Inefficiency" include effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness and efficiency.

How do you use "Inefficiency" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inefficiency" in a sentence: "The candidate blamed her opponent for the local government's inefficiency.".

Is "Inefficiency" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inefficiency" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Inefficiency"?

"Inefficiency" is pronounced /ˌi-nə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē/ and divided into syllables as in·ef·fi·cien·cy.

What is the origin of the word "Inefficiency"?

First known use: 1749.