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

The latter concluded the practice is unscientific and ineffective, carrying risks of psychological harm, including suicidal ideation and depression. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Engagement pods are actively detected and rendered ineffective by the new 360Brew system, cutting post visibility. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Ozel, 51, had succeeded the 77‑year‑old Kilicdaroglu after 13 years of what many analysts described as ineffective opposition to Erdogan. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

Moore is the weakest, most ineffective governor Maryland has ever had, and residents are paying the price. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ineffective

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

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