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

Lyndon Dykes, Tommy Conway and Che Adams were all largely ineffective in their time of the pitch, although Clarke did single out Conway for praise after Japan.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Fernandez signed a guilty plea to life without the possibility of parole but later filed a resentencing petition, arguing that she was coerced into the plea and that her state-appointed defense attorney provided ineffective counsel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

If Iranian defenses influenced by Chinese technology prove ineffective against U.S. and Israeli forces, countries considering Chinese weapons will take notice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

More debilitating mathematically than ineffective or insufficient education are psychological factors.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

ineffective

Example Sentences

Related Words