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ineffective. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
ineffective, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
ineffective in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
ineffective you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
From in- + effective.
Pronunciation
Adjective
ineffective (comparative more ineffective, superlative most ineffective)
- Not having the desired effect; ineffectual; otiose.
- Lacking in ability; incompetent or inadequate.
2016, Justin O. Schmidt, The Sting of the Wild, Johns Hopkins University Press, →ISBN, page 102: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.
2025 May 29, Kalyeena Makortoff, “US federal court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:Their use was “impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because does not allow it”, the decision explained.
Derived terms
Translations
not having the desired effect; ineffectual
lacking in ability; incompetent or inadequate