How to pronounce ineffective
Say it like in-ih-FEK-tiv. Ineffective has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ineffective. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- ih
- FEK
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ineffective pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of ineffective
American and British speakers say ineffective in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/ in the US and /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-ih-FEK-tiv.
What does ineffective mean?
- 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”
- lacking the ability or skill to perform effectively; inadequate“an ineffective administration”“inefficient workers”
Where does ineffective come from?
From in- + effective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with ineffective
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ineffective.
Questions about saying ineffective
How do you pronounce ineffective?
Say in-ih-FEK-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/. In British English it is /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ineffective?
Ineffective has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEK). Broken into parts: in · ih · FEK · tiv.
Do Americans and Brits say ineffective the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/ and the British form is /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktɪv/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.