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definitions

ineffective

[ in-i-fek-tiv ]
/ ˌɪn ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
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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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RELATED WORDS

inadequacy, infirmity, impotence, powerlessness, helplessness, uselessness, feebleness, weakness, inefficacy, incapability

Nearby words

  1. ineducable,
  2. ineducation,
  3. ineffability,
  4. ineffable,
  5. ineffaceable,
  6. ineffectual,
  7. inefficacious,
  8. inefficacy,
  9. inefficiency,
  10. inefficient

Origin of ineffective

First recorded in 1645–55; in-3 + effective
Related formsin·ef·fec·tive·ly, adverbin·ef·fec·tive·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ineffectiveness

British Dictionary definitions for ineffectiveness

ineffective

/ (ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv) /

adjective

having no effect
incompetent or inefficient
Derived Formsineffectively, 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
Word Origin and History for ineffectiveness

ineffective

adj.

1650s, from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + effective. Related: Ineffectively; ineffectiveness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper