inefficacious

[ in-ef-i-key-shuh s ]

/ ˌɪn ɛf ɪˈkeɪ ʃəs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inefficacious ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

not able to produce the desired effect; ineffective.

Nearby words

ineducation, ineffable, ineffaceable, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficacy, inefficiency, inefficient, inegalitarian, inelastic

Origin of inefficacious

First recorded in 1650–60; in-³ + efficacious

Related forms

in·ef·fi·ca·cious·ly, adverbin·ef·fi·ca·cious·ness, in·ef·fi·cac·i·ty

[in-ef-i-kas-i-tee] /ˌɪn ɛf ɪˈkæs ɪ ti/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inefficacious

We have already seen how inefficacious with her are all attempts at persuasion.
John Caldigate|Anthony Trollope
The next was in 1641, when Charles I. returned from his imprudent and inefficacious journey into Scotland.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction|Various
And what do you think he's goin' to do with them inefficacious knick- knacks?
Heart of the West|O. Henry
In writing novels we novelists preach to you from our pulpits, and are keenly anxious that our sermons shall not be inefficacious.
Ralph the Heir|Anthony Trollope

I therefore once more directed squill, with decoction of seneka and sal sodæ; but it was inefficacious.
An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses|William Withering

British Dictionary definitions for inefficacious

inefficacious

/ (ˌɪnɛfɪˈkeɪʃəs) /

adjective

failing to produce the desired effect

Derived Forms

inefficaciously, adverbinefficacy (ɪnˈɛfɪkəsɪ), inefficaciousness or inefficacity (ˌɪnɛfɪˈkæsɪtɪ), 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