ineffective
adjective
in·ef·fec·tive
ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv 
1
: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual
ineffective lighting
2
: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable
an ineffective executive
ineffectively
adverb
ineffectiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of ineffective in a Sentence
The treatment was ineffective against the disease.
an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation
Recent Examples on the Web
Jones claimed that these failures amounted to an ineffective assistance of counsel claim under Strickland.
—
Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
Another finding is that 35% of respondents are concerned ineffective leadership will lead to a negative organizational culture or work environment, tense team dynamics, and mistrust.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 May 2024
Those efforts would be rendered ineffective if the United States is seen to support criminal accountability only for geopolitical opponents.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2024
Authorities tried to get the van off the road with multiple maneuvers that were ineffective.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ineffective 
Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 4 June 2024
Another finding is that 35% of respondents are concerned ineffective leadership will lead to a negative organizational culture or work environment, tense team dynamics, and mistrust.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 May 2024
Those efforts would be rendered ineffective if the United States is seen to support criminal accountability only for geopolitical opponents.
—Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2024
Authorities tried to get the van off the road with multiple maneuvers that were ineffective.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ineffective
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ineffective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ineffective
adjective
in·ef·fec·tive
ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv
1
: not producing the desired effect
an ineffective law
2
: not performing as well as expected or needed
an ineffective leader
ineffectively
adverb
ineffectiveness
noun
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