ineffective

[in-i-fek-tiv]

adjective

1. not effective; not producing results; ineffectual.

   ineffective efforts; ineffective remedies.

2. inefficient or incompetent; incapable.

   an ineffective manager.

3. lacking in artistic effect, as a literary work, theatrical production, or painting.

ineffective

/ ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. having no effect

2. incompetent or inefficient

Other Word Forms

• ineffectively adverb
• ineffectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ineffective¹

First recorded in 1645–55; in- ³ + effective

Example Sentences

Lawmakers and medical experts said these efforts to “cure” LGBTQ+ teens were cruel and ineffective and caused lasting harm.

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The Emergency Operations Center was “largely ineffective” in maintaining situational awareness.

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It rendered his usual swing fixes ineffective as he battled mechanical flaws to which he struggled to find answers.

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But Flacco has been ineffective in leading Cleveland to a 1-3 start, which prompted the Browns to announce Wednesday that Gabriel will be their Week 5 starter.

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“More often than not, it’s just political theater that serves to excuse inaction and ineffective policies.”

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Related Words

• feeble 
• fruitless 
• futile 
• impotent 
• inadequate 
• incompetent 
• indecisive 
• ineffectual 
• inefficient 
• inept 
• limited 
• null 
• powerless 
• unable 
• unproductive 
• unprofitable 
• unsuccessful 
• worthless