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

What readers are saying The comments overwhelmingly criticize the death penalty, describing it as barbaric, cruel, and ineffective. — Mark Berman, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

These components ensure the right data reaches the model at the right time with the right context, eliminating delays, fragmentation and blind spots that make even strong models ineffective. — Harsh Verma, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Proponents of the measure say the current system of overseeing public works is ineffective because responsibility is spread among multiple officials, commissions, agencies and bureaus. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

With enough time, the global economy could find alternative export routes from those in the Persian Gulf, making the closure of the strait ineffective. — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 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