inefficacious
[in-ef-i-key-shuh s]
- not able to produce the desired effect; ineffective.
Show More
Origin of inefficacious
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
abortivebarrenbootlessfecklessfeeblefruitlessfutileidleimpotentinadequateincompetentindecisiveineffectiveinefficientineptinferiorinnocuousinoperativelamelimitedExamples from the Web for inefficacious
Historical Examples
Inefficacious they are not, unless they be too badly preached to obtain attention.
Ralph the HeirAnthony Trollope
It was inefficacious, however, when one of these was involved in sin.
A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume IHenry Charles Lea
Is orthodoxy either so inefficacious or so moribund as you fancy?
The Grandchildren of the GhettoIsrael Zangwill
But this plan of regulation was not only inefficacious, but unsafe.
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of theThomas Clarkson
And what do you think he's goin' to do with them inefficacious knick- knacks?
Heart of the WestO. Henry
inefficacious
- failing to produce the desired effect
Show More
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 inefficacious
adj.
1650s, from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + efficacious. Related: Inefficaciously; inefficaciousness (1640s).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper