ineffective

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce ineffective (audio)
Definition of ineffectivenext
1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result an ineffective effort to reduce unemployment that only spurred inflation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results an ineffective medication that will be denied FDA approval

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ineffective Dawicki hopes the test will reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics, and slow the current march toward antibiotic resistance that has already rendered several antibiotics ineffective. — Alice Park, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 But the difference isn't so stark as to render CDs ineffective now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Apart from polluting ecosystems and leaving toxic residues on human food sources, these aggressive chemicals drive pests to develop genetic resistance, rendering treatments ineffective over time. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 The drug was working well for them, but then the trial was canceled for supposedly being ineffective for the group as a whole. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ineffective
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffective
  1. unsuccessful
  2. futile
  3. inefficient
  4. useless
  5. counterproductive
Adjective
  • It could not be immediately determined if Harris has an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and efforts to reach his family by phone were unsuccessful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Trump met with Kim three times for denuclearization talks during his first term in office that were ultimately unsuccessful.
    — Aileen Graef, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unsuccessful
Adjective
  • Stuart Bloom’s futile efforts to right the space-time continuum will continue.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The central legal debate in the last stretch leading up to Mangione’s trial has revolved around who will get to participate in this perhaps futile—though understandable—interpretive exercise.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of futile
Adjective
  • The idea that government, which has been defined as incompetent and inefficient for decades, could provide grocery abundance and variety better than Walmart and Costco has triggered a visceral reaction among critics.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Companies would not respond to an inefficient manufacturing operation simply by purchasing more machinery.
    — Eugene Litvak, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of inefficient
Adjective
  • Even the useless adults of The Shards would surely act quickly to arrest Robert with this much evidence.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Talarico calls Big Bend border wall 'useless' Democratic candidate James Talarico reacted to images of bulldozers at Big Bend in an X post.
    — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of useless
Adjective
  • Getting diverted totally into something which is not true, counterproductive for the family.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • But worse, military action in Mexico would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against drug cartels.
    — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterproductive

Browse Nearby Words

ineffaceable
ineffective
ineffectively
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Cite this Entry

“Ineffective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffective. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ineffective

Nglish: Translation of ineffective for Spanish Speakers

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