Use the adjective ineffective to describe something that doesn't work quite the way it's supposed to. You might complain about your ineffective guard dog, who wags his tail and licks everyone who …

INEFFECTIVE definition: 1. not producing the effects or results that are wanted: 2. not producing the effects or results…. Learn more.

Definition of ineffective adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you say that something is ineffective, you mean that it has no effect on a process or situation. Economic reform will continue to be painful and ineffective. This is an ineffective method of …

1. not effective; not producing results; ineffectual. 2. inefficient or incompetent: an ineffective manager.

The meaning of INEFFECTIVE is not producing an intended effect : ineffectual. How to use ineffective in a sentence.

in•ef•fec•tive (in′i fek′ tiv), adj. not effective; not producing results; ineffectual: ineffective efforts; ineffective remedies. inefficient or incompetent; incapable: an ineffective manager. lacking in …

Factsheet What does the word ineffective mean? There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the word ineffective. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Mar 20, 2026 · Adjective ineffective (comparative more ineffective, superlative most ineffective) Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose. Synonyms: fruitless, inefficacious, unprofitable; see also …

The treatment was ineffective against the disease. She argued her point ineffectively. He has been criticized for his ineffectiveness as a leader.