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
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
Don't Apply Herbicide to a Dormant Lawn Herbicide, just like fertilizer, is ineffective on a dormant lawn.
—
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Chelation therapy—generally used to remove metals from the body—is ineffective against argyria.
—Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2025
However, a 2017 research published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass highlights how ineffective self-presentation strategies—such as humblebragging or excessive accommodation—can result in impression mismanagement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
The scientists concluded that the cull was ineffective, and advised officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to focus on the cows, and leave the badger out of it.
—Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ineffective 
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Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Chelation therapy—generally used to remove metals from the body—is ineffective against argyria.
—Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2025
However, a 2017 research published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass highlights how ineffective self-presentation strategies—such as humblebragging or excessive accommodation—can result in impression mismanagement.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
The scientists concluded that the cull was ineffective, and advised officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to focus on the cows, and leave the badger out of it.
—Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ineffective
Dictionary Entries Near ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 17 Jan. 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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