Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for ineffective. Search instead for in-effective.
Definitions

ineffective

[in-i-fek-tiv] / ˌɪn ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
useless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
feeble fruitless futile impotent inadequate incompetent indecisive ineffectual inefficient inept limited null powerless unable unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful worthless
WEAK
abortive anticlimactic barren bootless defeasible emasculate epicene feckless forceless idle inefficacious inferior innocuous inoperative lame neutralized no-go not effective nugatory paltry slack-spined spineless unavailable unavailing unfruitful vain void withered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able adequate capable competent dexterous effective effectual efficient expert fit fruitful potent powerful productive profitable skillful strong successful sufficient useful valuable worthwhile worthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maybe that’s true — but it doesn’t mean it’s rhetorically ineffective.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

State lawmakers passed the new measures in response to healthcare professionals who said that efforts to change a teenager’s sexual orientation were both ineffective and harmful.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

She said due to ineffective responses from school leaders, there were too many occasions when teaching and learning were being disrupted.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

If Iranian defenses influenced by Chinese technology prove ineffective against U.S. and Israeli forces, countries considering Chinese weapons will take notice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

More debilitating mathematically than ineffective or insufficient education are psychological factors.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.