ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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 Between a good leader and a bad one—and between a good follower and a bad one. Step 2: Pay attention to the distinction between bad as in unethical and bad as in ineffective. Barbara Kellerman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 Cantu also had argued ineffective assistance of counsel, pointing in part to his trial attorneys’ decision to not call a single witness during the guilt-innocence phase of his trial. Dakin Andone, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 The Phone-Free Schools Movement, an advocacy group formed last year by concerned mothers, says policies that allow students to keep phones in their backpacks, as many schools do, are ineffective. Jocelyn Gecker, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2024 Unsurprisingly, this combination often leads to an ineffective collaboration between you and your colleague. Patrick Briody, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 The authority and its leader, President Mahmoud Abbas, are viewed as corrupt and ineffective, having failed to improve the lives of Palestinians after decades in power. Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 Instead of being a boring and ineffective textbook or DIY guide to investing and managing wealth, Sakraida provides guidance on how financial services professionals and individuals can better engage with one another. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Three energy-producing states — Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia — challenged the rule, along with the steel industry and other groups, calling it costly and ineffective. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024 Studies have found mandatory minimums to be largely ineffective at deterring crime. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ineffective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffective was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near ineffective

Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineffective

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌin-ə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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