ineffective

American  

[in-i-fek-tiv] / ˌɪn ɪˈfɛk tɪv /

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 British  

/ ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. having no effect

2. incompetent or inefficient

---

Other Word Forms

• ineffectively adverb
• ineffectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of ineffective

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

Example Sentences

But, he said the use of fines to manage absence "increasingly appears to be an overly simplistic solution to a more complex issue, and it is becoming clear that this approach is increasingly ineffective."

From BBC

But there are worse things than an ineffective Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consistent investment and alternative strategies reflect necessary change after decades of ineffective approaches.

From Los Angeles Times

The existence of regulator oversight, however, doesn’t mean the system is ineffective.

From Barron's

In response, a source close to President Macron told the BBC: "Threats to use tariffs to influence our foreign policies are unacceptable and ineffective."

From BBC

Related Words

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