ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inefficiency

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi// UK //ɪnɪfˈɪʃənsi// in·ef·fi·cien·cy

n. the quality of not being able to do something well or quickly. It means you are using more time, money, or energy than you should.

n. the state or quality of not producing the maximum output from the minimum input. Often used to describe systems or processes that waste resources.


SIMPLE

The new software helps reduce the inefficiency of our old system.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's main problem is the inefficiency of its supply chain, which causes delays and high costs.

COMPLEX

Economists argue that the inefficiency of the current tax code discourages small business growth by creating a complex web of deductions and penalties.

Antonyms

© 2026 English Reference