If you say that something is ineffective, you mean that it has no effect on a process or situation. Economic reform will continue to be painful and ineffective effective + ineffectiveness in·ef·fec·tive·ness the ineffectiveness of some of the police's anti-crime strategies. something that is ineffective does not achieve what it is intended to achieve effective ineffective in doing sth
lacking in power or forcefulness; "an ineffectual ruler"; "like an unable phoenix in hot ashes
not producing an intended effect; "an ineffective teacher"; "ineffective legislation"
Not effective; ineffectual; futile; inefficient; useless; as, an ineffective appeal
lacking the ability or skill to perform effectively; inadequate; "an ineffective administration"; "inefficient workers" not producing an intended effect; "an ineffective teacher"; "ineffective legislation" lacking in power or forcefulness; "an ineffectual ruler"; "like an unable phoenix in hot ashes