inefficacious

American  

[in-ef-i-key-shuhs] / ˌɪn ɛf ɪˈkeɪ ʃəs /

adjective

1. not able to produce the desired effect; ineffective.

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inefficacious British  

/ ˌɪnɛfɪˈkæsɪtɪ, ˌɪnɛfɪˈkeɪʃəs, ɪnˈɛfɪkəsɪ /

adjective

1. failing to produce the desired effect

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Other Word Forms

• inefficaciously adverb
• inefficaciousness noun
• inefficacity noun
• inefficacy noun

Etymology

Origin of inefficacious

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

Example Sentences

Remedies for the starling plague were suggested, some facetious, some earnest, all equally inefficacious.

From Time Magazine Archive

Most nostrums hit at only one of the causes and so are frequently inefficacious.

From Time Magazine Archive

I therefore once more directed squill, with decoction of seneka and sal sodæ; but it was inefficacious.

From An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses With Practical Remarks on Dropsy and Other Diseases by Withering, William

Their united efforts were vain, however; and even the remedies suggested by Apollo, god of medicine, proved inefficacious.

From Myths of Greece and Rome Narrated with Special Reference to Literature and Art by Guerber, H. A. (H?l?ne Adeline)

Imperfectly mixed coal-tar-creosote dips are liable to poison animals even when not used in stronger solutions than that recommended by the manufacturers, and are also likely to be inefficacious.

From Special Report on Diseases of Cattle by United States. Bureau of Animal Industry