Word
ineffective
Phoneticsin·ef·fec·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/
UK/ɪnɪfˈɛktɪv/
Definitions
01not producing results
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not producing the result you want or not working correctly.
adj. failing to produce the intended or desired effect; lacking efficacy.
“The old heating system was ineffective and the house stayed cold all winter.”
“The government's latest economic policy proved ineffective at curbing inflation, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction and calls for reform.”
Usage
Often used to describe laws, policies, medicines, or mechanical systems.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02lacking ability
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. not having the skills or power to do a job well.
adj. lacking in ability, competence, or the necessary qualities to perform a role successfully.
“The manager was ineffective because he could never make a firm decision.”
“The board eventually removed the CEO, citing her ineffective leadership during the merger as the primary reason for the company's declining stock value.”
Teaching tip
When describing people, this word is more formal and slightly more polite than calling someone 'bad' or 'useless', though it remains a serious criticism.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The kidnapping, which took place in broad daylight, showed how ineffective security operations in Nigeria have been, he said.” “That same week, a senior fellow at the New Delhi-based thinktank Observer Research Foundation argued in a column that teen social media bans are ineffective.” “Only the later stages bring us into the present day, with a story about a comically ineffective protest he launched against racist policing.” Etymology
From in- + effective.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ineffective