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
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
The inability to raise the left can render his height advantage ineffective on the glass.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Extracts of garlic, hot pepper, orange peels or companion planting are ineffective.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
The appeals court upheld the involuntary manslaughter conviction, rejecting Njuguna’s arguments that the evidence was insufficient and that his trial counsel was ineffective.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025
Scientists have derided the move as a foolish and likely ineffective diversion of resources in the face of a serious and deadly threat — and one that is unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the measles vaccine.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
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Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025
Extracts of garlic, hot pepper, orange peels or companion planting are ineffective.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
The appeals court upheld the involuntary manslaughter conviction, rejecting Njuguna’s arguments that the evidence was insufficient and that his trial counsel was ineffective.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025
Scientists have derided the move as a foolish and likely ineffective diversion of resources in the face of a serious and deadly threat — and one that is unnecessary, given the effectiveness of the measles vaccine.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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