ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv 

1

: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual

ineffective lighting

an ineffective treatment

2

: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable

an ineffective executive

ineffectively adverb

ineffectiveness noun

Synonyms of ineffective

• 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

Without this step, emotional conversations become emotionally expensive and structurally ineffective. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Since mothballs are proven to be ineffective (and harmful), here are some safer alternatives to consider. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Jan. 2026

His office issued a declaration in December calling the treatments unsafe and ineffective. —Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Walz has been ineffective in stopping it. —Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 24 Jan. 2026

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