ineffective

word

Definition

Not producing the intended result or not working well.

Usage & Nuances

More formal than 'not working' or 'doesn't work'. Used for methods, medicines, strategies, actions. Common collocations: 'ineffective treatment', 'ineffective against', 'prove ineffective'. Not a synonym for 'useless' (which is stronger).

Example Sentences

This medicine is ineffective for headaches.

basic

The lock was ineffective and easy to open.

basic

Their efforts to stop the noise were ineffective.

basic

After a week, the new rules proved ineffective.

natural

He tried to fix it with tape, but that was totally ineffective.

natural

Many students found the online lessons ineffective compared to classroom teaching.

natural