ineffective
adjective
in·ef·fec·tive
ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv 
1
: not producing an intended effect : ineffectual
ineffective lighting
2
: not capable of performing efficiently or as expected : incapable
an ineffective executive
ineffectively
adverb
ineffectiveness
noun
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
At least for now, the biggest differentiator between effective and ineffective use of AI for marketing strategy or content production is the human in the driver’s seat.
—
Andrew Allen, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
This can make these agents ineffective, allowing bacteria to grow.151617
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals added to cosmetic products for various reasons.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 20 May 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Appealing a death sentence Ritchie’s attorneys have fought the death sentence, arguing his legal counsel at trial was ineffective because his lawyers failed to fully investigate and present evidence on his fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and childhood lead exposure.
—Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
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.
Andrew Allen, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
This can make these agents ineffective, allowing bacteria to grow.151617
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals added to cosmetic products for various reasons.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 20 May 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Appealing a death sentence Ritchie’s attorneys have fought the death sentence, arguing his legal counsel at trial was ineffective because his lawyers failed to fully investigate and present evidence on his fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and childhood lead exposure.
—Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Cite this Entry
“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffective. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share