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

Failure, however, might render the Digital Euro an ineffective compromise—too timid to drive meaningful reform and too weak to compete on the global stage. —Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Besides the potential irritation that can come along with using too many actives (or trying one too many TikTok trends) at once, layering on the wrong combo of products can inactivate skin-care ingredients, therefore rendering the product ineffective. —Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 12 Dec. 2024

Ramaswamy’s new role will aim to reduce wasteful spending and slash ineffective measures for the federal government. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024

Despite these incentives, traditional recruitment efforts have been ineffective. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 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