ineffective

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
Definition of ineffectivenext
1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ineffective The spot, airing on television around the state, contrasts Democratic nominee Scott Colom’s career as a prosecutor with Hyde-Smith’s political record, accusing her of being ineffective and self-enriching. — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026 In the debate Thursday night, Sullivan highlighted his record defending Alaska's energy and military interests in the state and attacked Peltola as ineffective during her time in office. — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026 Tailback Nate Frazier returned from a rib injury to start for Georgia but was ineffective, gaining only 19 yards on nine carries. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The passing game had its moments — Austin Simmons went 25 for 44 for 339 yards with an interception — but the misses compounded into an ineffective MU attack. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffective
  1. unsuccessful
  2. futile
  3. inefficient
  4. useless
  5. counterproductive
Adjective
  • Dean Riley, 62, was pronounced dead at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, according to the coroner’s office.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
  • While not all lawsuits filed against small businesses are valid, even an unsuccessful lawsuit can cause major business disruptions and result in costly legal fees.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • This meant that the negotiating parties had reached a deadlock beyond which further discussion would be futile.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Adelaide’s music had become an argument, however futile, with finality.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • Groups such as Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Access Now, Article 19 and others have warned that the convention’s human rights safeguards are inefficient.
    — Mary Lind, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026
  • States of uncertainty that cannot be resolved can be particularly inefficient.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of inefficient
Adjective
  • Throw in most sideline reporting and coach interviews, completely useless.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Simply put, the satellite connection would allow Russian operators to steer drones and missiles directly, rendering useless the electronic-warfare network Ukraine has built across the country to jam them.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • But their fervor ironically winds up being counterproductive, yielding a jumbled tonal mess that feels deadly serious one moment and like parody the next.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The lesson is not to abandon the region but to rethink an approach that has become both too costly and counterproductive.
    — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of counterproductive

Browse Nearby Words

ineffaceable
ineffective
ineffectively
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Cite this Entry

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

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