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

• unsuccessful
• inefficient
• counterproductive

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

However, the law was repealed in 1974 for being unpopular and ineffective. —Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025

After watching their beloved pet struggle, the founder set out to create a solution rooted in clinical research instead of outdated and ineffective formulas. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

If Lee’s return feels stale or ineffective, fan sentiment could turn quickly—something WWE is clearly aware of. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

In recognizing the changing market conditions, particularly the rise of AI, the court seemed to acknowledge a longstanding criticism by those who argue that the tech industry evolves so rapidly that legal remedies are ineffective at best, and can potentially even do more harm than good. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ineffective

• intellective
• introspective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective

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