ineffective
ihn-ih-FEHK-tihv
Ineffective (adjective) means not producing the result you want or need. Example: “The new painkiller proved ineffective against her migraines.”
adjective
1
Not producing the result you want or need.
"The new painkiller proved ineffective against her migraines."
"Their marketing campaign was expensive but largely ineffective."
"Cold water proved ineffective at removing the stain from my shirt."
2
Not capable of doing a job well; incompetent.
"He was an ineffective manager who struggled to motivate his team."
"The committee was ineffective and never managed to finish a single project."
"Everyone knew he was ineffective as a leader, so people stopped asking him for help."
How to use ineffective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that just doesn't work or doesn't get results.
Common mistake
Easy to mix up with inefficient (wastes time/resources even if it works) — ineffective means it simply doesn't achieve the goal at all.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
proved ineffective
largely ineffective
ineffective treatment
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ineffective.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more ineffective
- Superlative
- most ineffective
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new painkiller proved _____ against her migraines.
Etymology
From in- ("not") + effective, itself from Latin efficere, "to accomplish."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ineffective
See all rhymes for ineffective →Frequently asked questions
What does “ineffective” mean?
The word “ineffective” means not producing the result you want or need. In plain terms, something that just doesn't work or doesn't get results.
How do you pronounce “ineffective”?
“Ineffective” is pronounced ihn-ih-FEHK-tihv (/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “ineffective” in a sentence?
Here is “ineffective” used in a sentence: “The new painkiller proved ineffective against her migraines.”
What part of speech is “ineffective”?
“Ineffective” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ineffective” come from?
The word “ineffective” comes from Latin. From in- ("not") + effective, itself from Latin efficere, "to accomplish.".
Is “ineffective” a common word?
“Ineffective” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “ineffective” have?
“Ineffective” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not producing the result you want or need.
What is the difference between "ineffective" and "inefficient"?
"Ineffective" means something does not produce the result you want or need at all, while "inefficient" means something works but wastes time, effort, or resources in doing so. A method can be inefficient yet still effective, or effective yet inefficient.
Can "ineffective" describe a person rather than a method or treatment?
Yes, "ineffective" can also describe a person who is not capable of doing a job well or is incompetent, as in "an ineffective manager." This sense focuses on a person's poor performance rather than on outcomes alone.
What is the opposite of "ineffective"?
The direct opposite is "effective," meaning something that successfully produces the intended result. Related opposites include "competent" or "capable" when describing a person rather than a method.
