ineffective

/ˌɪnɪˈfektɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnɪˈfektɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌi-nə-ˈfek-tiv/ (ame, mw)

ineffective — adjective

  • ineffectivepositive
  • more ineffectivecomparative
  • most ineffectivesuperlative

1. Something that is ineffective fails to achieve what it was supposed to do — for

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Something that is ineffective fails to achieve what it was supposed to do — for example, a medicine, method, or system that does not work as expected.

例句

Amihan tried three different cleaners, but each one proved ineffective on the kitchen stain.

prove ineffective — used for methods or treatments

The old wooden lock on Zayd's garden gate was ineffective against the local foxes.

ineffective against [threat]

同義詞
  • useless

    stronger, more informal; suggests something cannot be used at all

  • futile

    formal; stresses that effort is completely wasted, not just lacking effect

  • unsuccessful

    broader; can apply to a person, plan, or attempt that did not achieve its goal

  • unproductive

    often used for meetings, discussions, or work periods that yield no useful result

反義詞
  • effective

    the direct opposite — producing the intended result

  • successful

    achieving a desired outcome

文法句型

ineffective at [noun/phrase]

ineffective against [noun]

prove ineffective

用法筆記

Subject is usually a thing — a method, treatment, tool, policy, or system. When describing a person, sense 2 is the correct choice.

常見錯誤

❌The computer is ineffective because it runs slowly.
✅The computer is inefficient because it runs slowly.
💡'ineffective' means it fails to produce a result; 'inefficient' means it wastes time or resources while still getting some result.

2. An ineffective person does not have the skills, qualities, or authority needed t

2.形容詞B2
釋義

An ineffective person does not have the skills, qualities, or authority needed to succeed in their role — for example, a manager whose team fails to meet targets, or a leader who cannot make clear decisions.

例句

Felipe's supervisor was so ineffective that the team missed every monthly target.

ineffective supervisor — describing a person's performance in a role

Voters blamed ineffective leaders for the slow response to the housing crisis.

同義詞
  • incompetent

    stronger, more direct; implies a clear lack of necessary skill

  • inadequate

    suggests not meeting the required standard, often in a specific area

  • incapable

    strongest; means completely unable to do something

反義詞

文法句型

prove ineffective as [role]

ineffective [role]

用法筆記

Frequently used before role nouns such as manager, leader, teacher, or director. For things (methods, tools, systems), use sense 1 instead.

常見錯誤

❌She is an ineffective student because she does not study.
✅She is an unmotivated student because she does not study.
💡'ineffective' for a person means lacking the skill to perform, not lacking effort or motivation.