French word

inefficace

Pronunciation

IPA/inefikas/

Meaning

  • adjectiveineffective

Example

Ce médicament est inefficace contre ce virus.

This medication is ineffective against this virus.

Illustration for inefficace (ineffective)

More examples

Cette méthode est inefficace ici.

This method is ineffective here.

Core concept

A means aimed at an outcome but unable to bring about the needed change.

Common phrases

  • une méthode inefficace

    an ineffective method

  • très inefficace

    very ineffective

Similar words

inutile: Of no practical use because it fails to deliver the expected effect.

Definition in French

Qui n'est pas efficace pour produire un résultat observable.

Word origin

Inefficace developed from Latin inefficax, combining the negative prefix in- with efficax, meaning 'effective', before entering the history of French.

Usage tips

  • Inefficace has the same written form for masculine and feminine, while the plural adds -s: un traitement inefficace, des traitements inefficaces.

Other meanings

  • uselessadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • inefficacitéineffectivenessnoun

Word lists with this word