Ineffective Meaning
/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɛk.tɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjNot having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose.
adjLacking in ability; incompetent or inadequate.
Sentence Examples
The 5% topical solution was ineffective at reducing eczema outbreaks.
A plethora of ineffective education programs made the president unpopular amongst fiscal conservatives.
Luckily, the treatment was only ineffective instead of harmful.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The medicine was ____ against the virus, as the patients got worse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new medicine proved to be ____ at treating the common cold, according to recent studies.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Italic *n̥- Latin in-bor. Middle English in- English in- Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰ Proto-Indo-European *-s Proto-Indo-European *h₁éǵʰs Proto-Italic *eks Latin ex Latin ef- Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁k- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *dʰh₁kyéti Proto-Italic *θakjō Proto-Italic *fakjō Latin faciō Latin efficiō Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus Latin effectivusbor. French effectifder. English effective English ineffective From in- + effective.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Fire ants circumvented the problem of an ineffective sting by having an unusual and highly effective venom that when daubed or sprayed on other ants penetrates their waxy protective integumental barrier and kills or disables them."
— 2016, Justin O. Schmidt, The Sting of the Wild, Johns Hopkins University Press, →ISBN, page 102:
"Their use was “impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law]^([sic]) does not allow it”, the decision explained."
— 2025 May 29, Kalyeena Makortoff, “US federal court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The medicine was ____ against the virus, as the patients got worse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new medicine proved to be ____ at treating the common cold, according to recent studies.