ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv 

1

: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual

ineffective lighting

2

: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable

an ineffective executive

ineffectively adverb

ineffectiveness noun

Synonyms

• counterproductive
• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffectual
• inefficacious
• inefficient
• inexpedient

Examples of ineffective in a Sentence

The treatment was ineffective against the disease.

an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation

Recent Examples on the Web

Planet Green identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting due to ineffective review and approval procedures over journal entries and financial statement preparation. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024

But because of a possible ineffective assistance of counsel issue, Lipps said, the sentencing could not proceed. —Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024

Gallant has said Hamas and Hezbollah have now been rendered totally ineffective as Iranian proxies. —Mick Krever, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024

In the study, participants were given either a placebo (an ineffective substance given to a control group) or jujube syrup every day for four weeks. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv 

1

: not producing the desired effect

an ineffective law

2

: not performing as well as expected or needed

an ineffective leader

ineffectively adverb

ineffectiveness noun