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.
But one early research study published in June shows the ban, which took effect in December 2025, has been ineffective. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Injuries and ineffective play have forced the Knights to start six different players over the past 24 games, hurting the team’s consistency. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 The Morgan County District Attorney’s Office, representing the State of Alabama, opposed the petition in March 2026, arguing his claims of innocence and ineffective assistance of trial counsel are time-barred and meritless. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Honest conversations about burnout, ineffective leadership, workplace culture, and employee well-being are important. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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