ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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

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 My sister-in-law’s response to her dogs was ineffective. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024 PepsiCo, General Mills, Mondelez and other snack giants have ramped up promotions to try to win back customers, but the promotions have been ineffective, according to Bank of America. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 Iran indirectly telegraphed its strike in advance to the United States, rendering the barrage of drones and missiles largely ineffective. Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 San Francisco has a 13-0 lead, but Seattle is somehow not in awful shape despite two turnovers and an ineffective offense. Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 11 Oct. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffective was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near ineffective

Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineffective

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!