inefficacious

[ in-ef-i-key-shuh s ]

/ ˌɪn ɛf ɪˈkeɪ ʃəs /

not able to produce the desired effect; ineffective.

Origin of inefficacious

First recorded in 1650–60; in-³ + efficacious

in·ef·fi·ca·cious·ly, adverb in·ef·fi·ca·cious·ness, in·ef·fi·cac·i·ty

[in-ef-i-kas-i-tee] /ˌɪn ɛf ɪˈkæs ɪ ti/, noun

We have already seen how inefficacious with her are all attempts at persuasion.

John Caldigate |Anthony Trollope
The next was in 1641, when Charles I. returned from his imprudent and inefficacious journey into Scotland.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction |Various
And what do you think he's goin' to do with them inefficacious knick- knacks?

Heart of the West |O. Henry
In writing novels we novelists preach to you from our pulpits, and are keenly anxious that our sermons shall not be inefficacious.

Ralph the Heir |Anthony Trollope

I therefore once more directed squill, with decoction of seneka and sal sodæ; but it was inefficacious.

An Account of the Foxglove and some of its Medical Uses |William Withering

inefficacious

/ (ˌɪnɛfɪˈkeɪʃəs) /

failing to produce the desired effect

inefficaciously, adverb inefficacy (ɪnˈɛfɪkəsɪ), inefficaciousness or inefficacity (ˌɪnɛfɪˈkæsɪtɪ), noun