ineffective

Everyday

1. Not working well or not giving the result you want: an ineffective medicine. tree →
2. Not able to do a job well: an ineffective leader. tree →

In the lessons

In science an ineffective method does not change the result; in everyday life an ineffective umbrella still lets you get wet. Phrases: «ineffective against», «prove ineffective», «largely ineffective».

Examples

• The cream was ineffective against the bites. tree →
• Shouting is an ineffective way to make friends. tree →
• The old lock was ineffective, so someone got in. tree →
• The test showed the plant food was ineffective. tree →
• The team had an ineffective defence. tree →
• Antibiotics are ineffective against colds. tree →

Note

Prefix in- = not: ineffective = not effective. Trap: «effective» (works well) vs «affective» (to do with feelings). Noun: ineffectiveness.