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

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

Hurt by turnovers, an ineffective full-court press and a failure to hustle back, Sylmar gave up 14 consecutive baskets on layups and found itself trailing 77-56 early in the fourth quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The strikes are both depleting interceptor supplies and demonstrating the limitations of legacy anti-drone systems, which are ineffective against sustained Shahed attacks, Horan and McDermott added.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

I asked several courts to stay Herbert's execution because of his ineffective lawyer, racial bias during the trial, the inflammatory comments made by the prosecutor, and the lack of mitigation evidence presented.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

ineffective

Example Sentences

Related Words