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
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
If the situation gets worse or is ineffective go ahead and give your plumber a call.
—
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
The system focuses on physical interception rather than electronic warfare, addressing scenarios where jamming proves ineffective or risky.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Accordingly, the treatments misprescribed can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst, all while the parasite further destroys the cornea.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Once the trial is over, Schuman will have 120 days to rule whether Troconis’ counsel was ineffective.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
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Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
The system focuses on physical interception rather than electronic warfare, addressing scenarios where jamming proves ineffective or risky.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Accordingly, the treatments misprescribed can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst, all while the parasite further destroys the cornea.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
Once the trial is over, Schuman will have 120 days to rule whether Troconis’ counsel was ineffective.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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