ineffectively

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.

Cycles of great-power rivalry, where leading states grasped ineffectively for hegemony, shaped the emergence of both dynastic empires and modern nations while testing statesmen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

But Bale has played sparingly and occasionally ineffectively for Madrid in recent years.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 25, 2022

It has long been used medicinally — effectively and ineffectively — and to this day, the compounds found in chiles are used to treat pain.

From Washington Post • Mar. 3, 2022

But that first system, named Wilson, bobbed ineffectively alongside the garbage until it ultimately broke.

From Reuters • Sep. 16, 2021

Dawn found Jeremy still at his desk, the dragon perched on his shoulder, nibbling contentedly, but ineffectively, at his ear.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville