inefficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inefficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe a situation or system in which results or outcomes are not optimally achieved with the resources that are used, or when something takes more time or energy than is necessary. For example, "The inefficiency of the governmental system can lead to long delays in the processing of paperwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency".

The Economist

Instead of ensuring safety, the heightened post-9/11 measures imposed by the transportation security administration (TSA) highlight inefficiency, ignorance and a violation of civil liberties.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am frustrated with the inefficiency, the lack of organisation and the inability to involve me in decisions.

The Guardian

Even if he were correct – and there is no guarantee that he is, since most new governments simply replace one lot of waste and inefficiency with a dollop of their own – the timing would do him no good.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also offers vigilance against inefficiency, bureaucracy and corruption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Italy has the eurozone's biggest debts and is the biggest loser from the arrangement whereby Germany profits from everyone else's inefficiency.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can change taxes and direct spending to areas that will overcome pockets of weakness, boost inefficiency and promote fairness.

The Guardian

The family described the watchdog's conduct as "a chronicle of inefficiency and incompetence".

The Guardian

I despair at the inefficiency and corruption of the political system, the nepotism that flavours the labour market and the cultural emphasis on la bella figura, which values grooming, being well turned out and living in a well-kept home over national pride and a collective respect for the public domain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of these researchers broadly accept the EMH, but see their role as uncovering sources of inefficiency that can be addressed to make markets more efficient.However, a second branch of financial economics is far more sceptical about markets' inherent rationality.

The Economist

A little inefficiency is necessary to give informed investors an incentive to drive prices towards efficiency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "inefficiency", be specific about what resources are being wasted (time, money, effort) and what the concrete consequences are.

Common error

Don't just state that there is "inefficiency". Quantify the impact of inefficiency wherever possible; for example, state that "inefficiency" results in a 20% increase in costs or a 10-day delay.

Linguistic Context

The noun "inefficiency" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to denote a state or quality of not being efficient, often pointing to a flaw or defect in a system or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inefficiency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes a lack of effectiveness or wastefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian. It's important to use the word precisely, quantifying the impact of "inefficiency" and avoiding vague generalizations. Consider alternatives like "lack of productivity" or "wastefulness" to add nuance to your writing. The word's prevalence across news, business, and science contexts underscores its relevance in describing problems and proposing improvements in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of productivity

Focuses on the absence of productive output, rather than the process itself.

wastefulness

Emphasizes the unnecessary consumption or expenditure of resources.

lack of organization

Highlights the absence of a structured system, leading to disarray and reduced effectiveness.

operational deficiency

Points to a flaw or weakness in the way something operates, affecting its performance.

inability to streamline processes

Focuses on the specific failure to optimize and simplify procedures.

suboptimal performance

Indicates that the achieved results are less than ideal or the best possible.

failure to optimize resources

Stresses the missed opportunity to use available resources in the most effective way.

reduced effectiveness

Highlights the diminished capacity to produce a desired result.

flawed execution

Emphasizes errors or defects in the carrying out of a task or plan.

inability to maximize output

Focuses on the shortfall in achieving the highest possible level of production or results.

FAQs

How can I use "inefficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "inefficiency" to describe a lack of effectiveness or a wasteful process. For example, "The project suffered due to the "inefficiency" of the team's workflow."

What are some words similar to "inefficiency"?

Similar words include "wastefulness", "inadequacy", and "incompetence". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "inefficiency" and "ineffectiveness"?

"Inefficiency" refers to the wasteful use of resources, while "ineffectiveness" describes the inability to produce the desired result. A process can be inefficient even if it eventually achieves its goal, but it is ineffective if it fails to achieve the goal.

Is "inefficiency" a formal word?

"Inefficiency" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, academic, and everyday settings.