ineffectively
ineffectively — adverb
1. without producing the intended effect or achieving the desired result; done so t
without producing the intended effect or achieving the desired result; done so that the hoped-for outcome does not happen.
Nadia tried ineffectively to open the jar, her hands slipping on the lid.
modifies the verb 'tried' to show the attempt failed
The old fan cooled the room ineffectively, so Yuki bought a new air conditioner.
The government spent billions ineffectively, with little improvement to public services.
Omar argued ineffectively against the new policy, since no one supported his view.
The medicine was stored too long and worked ineffectively when Hari finally took it.
- unsuccessfully
more general; can apply to any failed attempt
- poorly
focuses on low quality rather than failed outcome
- feebly
suggests lack of strength or force
- effectively
the direct opposite; achieving the intended result
- successfully
achieving a desired aim
文法句型
modifies a verb to show lack of success
用法筆記
Ineffectively is the adverb form of ineffective. It is often used with verbs of trying, spending, or treating where the intended result falls short.
常見錯誤
ineffectively — adjective
- ineffectivelypositive
- more ineffectivelycomparative
- most ineffectivelysuperlative
1. not producing the intended effect or result; having no real use or benefit in a
not producing the intended effect or result; having no real use or benefit in a given situation.
The vaccine proved ineffective against the new strain of the virus.
pattern: ineffective against [something]
Zola found the security camera ineffective at night because it lacked night vision.
The old security system was completely ineffective at stopping the burglars.
Abigail's attempts to learn guitar were ineffective because she never practised regularly.
Repeated warnings about smoking proved ineffective for most teenagers in the study.
文法句型
ineffective + at + noun/gerund
ineffective + against + noun
用法筆記
This sense describes things, methods, or actions that do not work as intended. It is commonly used with prove, be, or become.
常見錯誤
2. lacking the necessary ability, skill, or capacity to perform a task or role prop
lacking the necessary ability, skill, or capacity to perform a task or role properly.
The committee realised their new leader was completely ineffective at managing the budget.
pattern: ineffective at [gerund] — describing a person's lack of skill
Gabriela found the old vacuum cleaner ineffective on the thick wool carpet.
pattern: ineffective on [object]
The training programme was ineffective in preparing staff for the new software system.
Asher was widely seen as an ineffective manager who could not motivate his team.
- incompetent
stronger criticism; suggests a clear lack of necessary skills
- incapable
focuses on lack of natural ability rather than training
- unqualified
suggests lacking the required credentials or experience
文法句型
ineffective + as + noun
ineffective + at + noun/gerund
用法筆記
While sense 1 focuses on the outcome (no result), this sense focuses on the person or thing's lack of ability. When describing a person, it carries a critical tone.