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

Now county leaders are making a hard push for solutions, mindful that incarceration is often an ineffective response to broader economic and societal challenges. —Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025

If these thermal management systems are ineffective an electric vehicle could be rendered immobile (or worse) due to the battery overheating. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025

Many small businesses waste money on unused subscriptions and redundant/ineffective marketing. —Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Neglecting simple maintenance or living under a costly, ineffective HOA can make your property less appealing in a snap. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 27 June 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