ineffective

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tive ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
Synonyms of ineffectivenext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fixing the problem Flexible substrates have uneven surface roughness and varying hydroxyl-group densities, making standard large-area printing techniques ineffective. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 Fette, a freshman seeing his first significant game action, was Arizona State’s third quarterback of the game, replacing an injured Mikey Keene and an ineffective Cutter Boley. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Musk reportedly ordered a slowdown of the military-grade Starlink service used by Ukraine, limiting the speeds at which connected hardware could travel and rendering some offensive and interceptor drones largely ineffective. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Experts say self-regulation can work under certain circumstances, and be ineffective in others. — Caitlin Babcock, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineffective

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffective was in 1649

Rhymes for ineffective

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Browse Nearby Words

in effect
ineffective
ineffectual
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Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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