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View synonyms for ineffective

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

“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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Other Word Forms

  • ineffectively adverb
  • ineffectiveness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of ineffective1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It led to additional coverage and a joke at his expense on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show, and would mark the first time Harrison was widely ridiculed by the media and cast as ineffective.

Read more on Salon

They called that "an alarming example of poor governance," and said the department's approach was "unsustainable, ineffective and economically wasteful".

Read more on BBC

It said the actions taken by Royal Mail to try and reach its targets were "insufficient and ineffective".

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"I would pay money for an AI tool that helps me cut through that noise," said Spinelli, who finds the streaming giants ineffective at connecting niche content with its target audience.

Read more on Barron's

Churchill disagreed—believing such schemes were futile and ineffective—as did many across the political spectrum.

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in effectineffectual