# ineffective

/ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/ (US) · /ɪnɪfˈɛktɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ineffective
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. not producing results

adjective · CEFR B2

not producing the result you want or not working correctly.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. lacking ability

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

not having the skills or power to do a job well.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The old heater is ineffective in this large room.
- The new law proved ineffective because the government did not hire enough officers to enforce it.
- Despite the high cost of the campaign, the marketing strategy remained largely ineffective at reaching the younger demographic the brand desperately needed to attract.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.