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

Synonyms of ineffective

• unsuccessful
• inefficient
• counterproductive

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

Candelora called the governance structure of the Board ineffective. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

But what is changing is the speed at which innovative tactics and operations can be rendered ineffective. — Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

In the agreement, Kohberger also waived his ability to appeal, though defendants always retain the right to later assert ineffective assistance of counsel and pursue post-conviction relief in court. — Kevin Fixler september 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026

Their roster is so imbalanced and offense so reliant on a select few players that, when any are ineffective, the entire thing falls apart. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ineffective

• imperfective
• intellective
• introspective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective

Kids 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