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
Sources suggest her departure may have been due to ineffective communication with her west coast bosses.
—
Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Although many in the education field support cellphone restrictions, some argue that blanket bans are too carceral and obscure deeper problems, including addictive social media platforms and ineffective teaching practices.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Research shows that chondroitin sulfate reduces knee pain and improves knee function more than a placebo (an ineffective substance given to people in a clinical trial control group).
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Balancing Cost With Authentic Branding Cutting costs by using generic content equals ineffective brand recognition.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
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Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025
Although many in the education field support cellphone restrictions, some argue that blanket bans are too carceral and obscure deeper problems, including addictive social media platforms and ineffective teaching practices.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Research shows that chondroitin sulfate reduces knee pain and improves knee function more than a placebo (an ineffective substance given to people in a clinical trial control group).
—Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Balancing Cost With Authentic Branding Cutting costs by using generic content equals ineffective brand recognition.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 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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