Ineffective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv/ in·ef·fec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Ineffective

Ineffective (adjective)

  1. not producing an intended effect, ineffectual
  2. not capable of performing efficiently or as expected, incapable

Ineffective (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not producing the desired result

    "an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation"

    similar: counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient
    related: abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless
    opposite: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient
    near: availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile

  2. producing no results

    "an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval"

    similar: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail
    related: hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting, counterproductive
    opposite: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous
    near: meaningful, worthwhile, adequate, sufficient, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ineffective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ineffective:

counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient, abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ineffective

Words with the opposite meaning of Ineffective:

effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient, deadly, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Related Words for Ineffective

nonproductive, pointless, worthless, hollow, idle, meaningless, valueless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting

Near Antonyms of Ineffective

availing, beneficial, helpful, useful, worthwhile, meaningful, adequate, sufficient, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable

Word Forms of Ineffective

Derived words: ineffectively (adverb), ineffectiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ineffective

First known use: 1649

Frequently Asked Questions about Ineffective

What does "Ineffective" mean?

"Ineffective" means not producing an intended effect, ineffectual. As an adjective, it is defined as: not producing an intended effect, ineffectual. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ineffective"?

Other words for "Ineffective" include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient and abortive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ineffective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ineffective"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ineffective". Common alternatives include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient, abortive, barren and bootless.

What is the opposite of "Ineffective"?

Antonyms of "Ineffective" include effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient and deadly. Near antonyms include availing, beneficial, helpful and useful.

How do you use "Ineffective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ineffective" in a sentence: "an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation"; "an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval".

Is "Ineffective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ineffective" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Ineffective"?

"Ineffective" is pronounced /ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as in·ef·fec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Ineffective"?

First known use: 1649.