ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Ineffective

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv/ · Part of speech adjective

Quick meaning: Ineffective is an adjective meaning Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose.

Meaning

Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose.

More Meanings

  1. Lacking in ability; incompetent or inadequate.

Example Sentences

Their use was “impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law]^([sic]) does not allow it”, the decision explained.
Fire ants circumvented the problem of an ineffective sting by having an unusual and highly effective venom that when daubed or sprayed on other ants penetrates their waxy protective integumental barrier and kills or disables them.

Synonyms for ineffective

Depending on context, synonyms include fruitless, inefficacious, unprofitable, bootless, barren, futile.

Antonyms for ineffective

Common opposites include efficacious, effectual, effective.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ineffectual, inefficient, unproductive, incompetent, unable, impotent.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.