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

How to use ineffective in a sentence

If they continue down that path in the coming months they will risk being seen as robotic and ineffective.
Bankers were the villains of the last recession. They can be heroes in this one|matthewheimer|December 11, 2020|Fortune
Housing experts say it’s premature to declare Faulconer’s reform efforts ineffective.
Faulconer ‘Changed the Dialogue’ on Housing, But Results Remain Elusive|Andrew Keatts|December 10, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Not only is it awkward and ineffective, but it would also be dangerous to risk his safety and be ill-prepared for the job at hand.
Five ways to become a ‘Search Sherpa’ for your own organization|Lisa Little|December 7, 2020|Search Engine Land
They realized that amorphous goals of “slowing the spread” or “flattening the curve” had been ineffective in mustering public support for the stringent mitigation measures that would be necessary to contain the virus.
How Melbourne eradicated Covid-19|Dylan Scott|December 4, 2020|Vox

If patients take ineffective drugs that amount to little more than sugar pills, their chronic conditions could spiral out of control.
Importing drugs endangers lives|Earl D. Fowlkes Jr.|December 4, 2020|Washington Blade
The double standard of sexualization is hypocritical at best and ineffectively vindictive at worse.
Full Frontal Disney: Feminism's Nudity Double Standard|Emily Shire|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After the usual means for resuscitation had been ineffectively tried, her heart was laid bare.
Essays In Pastoral Medicine|Austin Malley
We replied ineffectively, for we had no means of dislodging them, nor did the cavalry when they came up.
War in the Garden of Eden|Kermit Roosevelt
Yet a few yards to Yeobright's left, on the open heath, how ineffectively gnashed the storm!
Return of the Native|Thomas Hardy
The French replied from some old guns on the hills as well as three shots from the Zelie, but ineffectively.
The New York Times Current History of the European War, Vol 1, Issue 4, January 23, 1915|Various
The imbecile sounds stopped, but the lips worked ineffectively again.
The Gray Mask|Wadsworth Camp

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

ineffective

Origin of ineffective

OTHER WORDS FROM ineffective

Words related to ineffective

How to use ineffective in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ineffective

Derived forms of ineffective