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.
Broken or ruptured baits are ineffective and should be disposed of by using gloves to place the bait in a bag and then into a regular trash bin. — Eva Flowe october 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026 Expression without genuine care is almost always ineffective. — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 All three were either injured or ineffective for much of the season. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 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 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 14 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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