ineffective

in·ef·fec·tive

adj \ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv\

Definition of INEFFECTIVE

1

: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual <ineffective lighting>

2

: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable <an ineffective executive>

— in·ef·fec·tive·ly adverb

— in·ef·fec·tive·ness noun

Examples of INEFFECTIVE

1. The treatment was ineffective against the disease.
2. <an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation>

First Known Use of INEFFECTIVE

1649

Related to INEFFECTIVE

Synonyms: counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient

Antonyms: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

Related Words: abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless

Near Antonyms: availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile

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Rhymes with INEFFECTIVE

cost-effective, house detective, imperfective, intellective, introspective, nondirective, nonobjective, retrospective, self-reflective, unselective