Ineffective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ineffective
[ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv ]
Definitions
work performance
Not producing the desired or intended result; not effective.
Synonyms
inefficient, inept, unproductive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ineffective |
When something or someone does not produce the desired outcome or fails to achieve its intended purpose.
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| inefficient |
When resources such as time, energy, or money are used wastefully, resulting in lower productivity.
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| inept |
When someone lacks skill or ability in a particular activity, often causing mistakes or showing incompetence. This term generally has a negative connotation.
|
| unproductive |
When little or nothing is produced, often despite effort, leading to a lack of progress or results. Can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- It was an ineffective strategy to increase sales.
- The ineffective use of resources led to project failure.
- The ineffective communication between team members caused misunderstandings.
medicine
Not producing the desired therapeutic effect.
Synonyms
inefficient, inept, unproductive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ineffective |
This term is used when something or someone cannot produce the desired result or has little to no effect. It often describes methods, techniques, or strategies.
|
| inefficient |
Use this word when referring to processes or systems that waste time, resources, or effort. It relates to a lack of productivity but focuses on poor resource management rather than the outcome itself.
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| inept |
This word is employed for individuals who lack skill or competence in a specific area. It has a more personal connotation and is often somewhat negative.
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| unproductive |
Use this term to describe situations, meetings, or periods of time where little to no useful work or progress is made. It focuses on the lack of output.
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Examples of usage
- The medication proved to be ineffective in treating the illness.
- The treatment was ineffective in reducing pain.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'ineffective'
The word 'ineffective' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'effective'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century. The concept of ineffectiveness has been explored in various fields such as management, psychology, and medicine, highlighting the importance of efficiency and productivity.
See also: effect, effective, effectively, effectiveness, effects, ineffectively, ineffectiveness, ineffectually.