ineffective
adjective
in·ef·fec·tive
ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv 
1
: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual
ineffective lighting
2
: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable
an ineffective executive
ineffectively
adverb
ineffectiveness
noun
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
Essentially, positivity, when lacking structure, clarity and objectivity, is ultimately ineffective.
—
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The France skipper produced an anonymous performance in France’s 3-1 home defeat against Italy and proved similarly ineffective in a substitute appearance against Belgium three days later.
—Tom Williams, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
If not, reactive vulnerability will look like an excuse and ultimately ineffective.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
But the approach was slow, onerous and fundamentally ineffective.
—Nolan Hout, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
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Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The France skipper produced an anonymous performance in France’s 3-1 home defeat against Italy and proved similarly ineffective in a substitute appearance against Belgium three days later.
—Tom Williams, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
If not, reactive vulnerability will look like an excuse and ultimately ineffective.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
But the approach was slow, onerous and fundamentally ineffective.
—Nolan Hout, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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