hamstrung

1 not producing the desired result several hamstrung attempts to reorganize the local parent-teacher association were made Synonyms counterproductive, feckless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedientRelated Words abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthlessNear Antonyms availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhileAntonyms effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

2 unable to act or achieve one's purpose hamstrung by recent congressional limitations on executive power, the president can do little in this situation Synonyms powerless, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impotent, impuissant, paralyzed, weakRelated Words incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless; feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressiveNear Antonyms able, capable, competent, effective, efficient; authoritarian, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical (also tyrannic); dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous; important, major, significant; high-level, senior, topAntonyms mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong