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Inefficiency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inefficiency

[ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

workplace

Lack of efficiency or effectiveness in achieving desired results.

Synonyms

ineffectiveness, ineptitude, sluggishness.

Examples of usage

  • The inefficiency of the current system is costing the company a lot of money.
  • The inefficiency of the government bureaucracy is causing delays in processing applications.
Context #2 | Noun

energy

The ratio of the useful work performed by a machine or in a process to the total energy expended.

Synonyms

ineffectiveness, ineptitude, wastefulness.

Examples of usage

  • The inefficiency of the engine resulted in a higher fuel consumption.
  • The inefficiency of the cooling system led to overheating issues.
Context #3 | Noun

economics

The state of not achieving the maximum output with the given input or resources.

Synonyms

incompetence, ineffectiveness, ineptitude.

Examples of usage

  • The inefficiency of the production process is affecting the company's profitability.
  • The inefficiency of the distribution network is causing delays in delivering products.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Inefficiency in markets can lead to waste of resources, causing both businesses and consumers to lose money.
  • The concept of Pareto efficiency suggests that inefficiencies occur when resources can be reallocated to make one party better off without making another worse off.
  • In economics, inefficiencies are often examined through the lens of production and market competition.

Technology

  • In software development, inefficiency can result from poor coding practices, leading to slow application performance.
  • Inefficiency in data processing can hinder analytics, making it difficult for businesses to extract valuable insights.
  • Automation tools are often developed to eliminate inefficiencies in repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors.

Psychology

  • Behavioral economics studies how irrational behaviors can lead to decision-making inefficiencies.
  • Cognitive biases, such as the status quo bias, can cause people to stick with less efficient processes simply because they're familiar.
  • Group decision-making can introduce inefficiencies due to social dynamics affecting clarity and consensus.

Environmental Science

  • Inefficiency in energy consumption is a significant concern, with buildings often wasting up to 30% of energy due to poor design and operation.
  • Liquid waste in industrial processes reflects inefficiencies that could be reduced through better technology or practices.
  • Reducing inefficiencies is essential for sustainability efforts aimed at minimizing environmental impact and resource depletion.

Origin of 'inefficiency'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inefficentia', meaning 'not working effectively'.
  • It was formed by combining 'in-' (not) with 'efficient', which means working well.
  • First recorded use in English occurred in the early 19th century.

The word 'inefficiency' originates from the Latin word 'inefficiens', which is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'efficiens' meaning 'effective'. The concept of inefficiency has been studied in various fields such as economics, engineering, and management to improve processes and systems for better performance and outcomes.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,698, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.