Word
inefficiency
Phoneticsin·ef·fi·cien·cy, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/
UK/ɪnɪfˈɪʃənsi/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The new software helps reduce the inefficiency of our old system.”
“The company's main problem is the inefficiency of its supply chain, which causes delays and high costs.”
“Economists argue that the inefficiency of the current tax code discourages small business growth by creating a complex web of deductions and penalties.”
Examples
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.”
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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