1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ineffective
Through everything from Kobido, a type of Japanese massage that is often referred to as a manual face lift, to endermologie, a kind of body work that reduces cellulite, the French are leaning into the thesis that non-invasive doesn’t mean ineffective.
—
Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
But the forward has been ineffective in the Premier League.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Folding in half is ineffective and may result in overhandling the dough by the time the layers are built; folding into fourths makes the dough unwieldy.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Menasche believes the lot, which is only open overnight, is an ineffective offering, especially for disabled and low-income individuals who may not be able to afford the gas required to drive in and out every day.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026
But the forward has been ineffective in the Premier League.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Folding in half is ineffective and may result in overhandling the dough by the time the layers are built; folding into fourths makes the dough unwieldy.
—Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Feb. 2026
Menasche believes the lot, which is only open overnight, is an ineffective offering, especially for disabled and low-income individuals who may not be able to afford the gas required to drive in and out every day.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffective
Adjective
-
The Star-Telegram attempted to reach Atkins for comment, but was unsuccessful.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Last year, the moderate Democrat took on a crowded field of candidates in an unsuccessful bid to become New York City mayor.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And after decades of futile wishes, maybe the place is finally ready for a new life — not today, not tomorrow, but in a few feverish years.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The metallic sheets cannot stop the damage Echard seeks to impose on her canvases, much like those tinfoil hats that some use in confused, futile efforts to shield themselves from pernicious invisible forces.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Compared to many other countries, Texas wastes an extraordinary amount of water through outdated infrastructure, inefficient consumption, and lack of innovation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Because the tasks are highly repetitive and frequently hampered by inefficient processes, the work can feel unfulfilling.—
Alex Hawkinson,
Fortune,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Homeowners and residents are baffled by the attacks upon their beautiful — but otherwise seemingly useless — plants.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
My deep cynicism thinks this was a diabolical plan to herd young people toward expensive, and somewhat useless, college degrees.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Sitting inside feels spiritually counterproductive.—
Hannah Towey,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Top Tyler leaders haven’t been thrilled with Pappas either, replying to her letters by defending their work and characterizing her correspondence as counterproductive and at times, misleading or hyperbolic.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffective. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
