1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of ineffective
Ibar’s defense filed a second motion for post-conviction relief on Monday, also seeking the conviction be vacated, arguing that his trial attorneys were ineffective.
—
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025
Currently, fish are unable to pass the dam due to improper hydropower operations and an ineffective fish ladder installed in 1999, Budris said.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
Israel said many of their drones were intercepted and ultimately ineffective due to Iron Dome technology.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 June 2025
Starter James Paxton was immediately hurt and relievers Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia were ineffective and eventually injured.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025
Currently, fish are unable to pass the dam due to improper hydropower operations and an ineffective fish ladder installed in 1999, Budris said.
—Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
Israel said many of their drones were intercepted and ultimately ineffective due to Iron Dome technology.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 21 June 2025
Starter James Paxton was immediately hurt and relievers Lucas Sims and Luis Garcia were ineffective and eventually injured.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffective
Adjective
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Barca even took a legal case against the regulations to a Catalan court but were unsuccessful.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
-
The family's attempts to halt Oliva's deportation were unsuccessful.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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The researchers said their findings should not suggest afforestation and carbon offsetting are futile.—
Hayley Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
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And beneath that fear lies a corrosive belief that resistance is futile.—
Elisa Manfredini,
Time,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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Windmills, and the rest of this 'JUNK,' are the most expensive and inefficient energy in the world, is destroying the beauty of the environment, and is 10 times more costly than any other energy.—
Adeola Adeosun
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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This type of development is inefficient at housing large populations.—
Kristian Fors,
Oc Register,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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However, disciplined conduct on the part of the activists and the intervention of other bystanders renders the attacks useless.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
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Pine needles mixed with all the other fine debris rendered the guards useless.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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Beyond that, such dramatic moves could be counterproductive.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
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Targeting the employers themselves, some of whom Trump relies on for support, would be counterproductive to his agenda, Reisz said.—
Caroline Petrow-Cohen,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffective. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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