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

• unsuccessful
• inefficient
• counterproductive

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

This process is largely ineffective at temperatures under 18,000 degrees Fahrenheit (10,000 degrees Celsius). —Perri Thaler, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025

That’s where the sandwich comes in — a mockery of the military presence, so obviously ineffective that it was supposed to make the whole situation look stupid. —David Weigel, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Across the country, woke prosecutors implemented no-bail policies or avoided jail time for juveniles, but these approaches have proven ineffective. —Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

And other groups argue these promotions are equally ineffective at boosting the economy, adding that the hype from politicians far exceeds the impact. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ineffective

• intellective
• introspective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective

Kids 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