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ineffective
/ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/
not producing the desired result
The new policy was ineffective in reducing traffic congestion.
The policy did not work to reduce traffic congestion.
formal
Not producing any significant or desired effect.
The medication was ineffective against the patient's symptoms.
The medication did not help the patient's symptoms.
The old heating system is ineffective in winter.
The old heating system does not work well in cold weather.
Often used to describe methods, strategies, or solutions that fail to achieve their intended purpose.
Collocations
ineffective atnot good at performing a task or achieving a goalproven ineffectiveconfirmed to not work as intendedseemingly ineffectiveappearing to not work despite expectations
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Avoid pairing 'ineffective' with redundant modifiers like 'completely ineffective' or 'totally ineffective'—the word already implies a total lack of effect.
Gold Rule
Use for results, not effort
'Ineffective' describes outcomes, not intentions. Say 'The plan was ineffective' (it didn't work), not 'The team was ineffective' unless you mean they failed to produce results.
Word Origin
From Latin 'ineffectivus', combining 'in-' (not) + 'effectivus' (effective), meaning 'not producing an effect'. First recorded in English in the mid-17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and technical contexts to describe failures in processes, policies, or systems. Avoid using it to describe people unless in a very formal or technical context (e.g., 'ineffective leader').
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefixeffective
producing a desired result
rootEnglish Dictionary