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Inefficiency: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

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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.