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ineffective

[ in-i-fek-tiv ]
/ ˌɪn ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
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See synonyms for: ineffective / ineffectively / ineffectiveness on Thesaurus.com
adjective
not effective; not producing results; ineffectual: ineffective efforts; ineffective remedies.
inefficient or incompetent; incapable: an ineffective manager.
lacking in artistic effect, as a literary work, theatrical production, or painting.
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Origin of ineffective

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

OTHER WORDS FROM ineffective

in·ef·fec·tive·ly, adverbin·ef·fec·tive·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to ineffective

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

British Dictionary definitions for ineffective

ineffective
/ (ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv) /
adjective
having no effect
incompetent or inefficient

Derived forms of ineffective

ineffectively, adverbineffectiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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