inefficacy

[in-ef-i-kuh-see]

noun

1. lack of power or capacity to produce the desired effect.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inefficacy¹

From the Late Latin word inefficācia, dating back to 1605–15. See in- ³, efficacy

Example Sentences

He seemed to think he could figure this out, make the kind of adjustment he has made so many times before in a career defined by his ability to stave off long stretches of inefficacy.

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Phil Jackson took over the team the next year, ushering in a new period of inefficacy for the team.

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To Mr. Will, failure to lower the rate is proof of the inefficacy of Roosevelt’s costly job-creation programs.

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Disillusioned with the inefficacy of the Federal Police, López Obrador as president bet his security strategy on a new force that would draw on the resources of the military, but be civilian in nature.

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In its report, Amnesty said its research “demonstrates NSO Group’s continued failure to conduct adequate human rights due diligence and the inefficacy of its own human rights policy.”

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