ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for ineffective 

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffective was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near ineffective

Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineffective

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!