What does ineffective mean?
Ineffective means Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose..
Ineffective
/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv/ · adjective
Meaning
Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose..
Definitions by Sense
- Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose.
- Lacking in ability; incompetent or inadequate.
Example Sentences
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.
Their use was “impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law]^([sic]) does not allow it”, the decision explained.
Synonyms for ineffective
Antonyms for ineffective
Related Words
Word Forms
- more ineffective
- most ineffective
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for ineffective?
Common synonyms include fruitless, inefficacious, unprofitable, bootless.
What is the opposite of ineffective?
Possible antonyms include efficacious, effectual, effective.
How do you use ineffective in a sentence?
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.
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.