ineffective

1 not producing the desired result an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation Synonyms counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient Related Words abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless Near Antonyms availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile Antonyms effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

2 producing no results an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval Synonyms abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vainRelated Words hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless; hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable; inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting; counterproductiveNear Antonyms meaningful, worthwhile; adequate, sufficient; applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable (also useable), workableAntonyms deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous