inefficacy

[ in-ef-i-kuh-see ]

noun

1. lack of power or capacity to produce the desired effect.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inefficacy¹

From the Late Latin word inefficācia, dating back to 1605–15. See in- ³, efficacy

Example Sentences

I was excited to read this section, having grown tired of being surrounded by literature and movies that constantly tout young people as the last remaining hope to save the planet, while bemoaning the older generation’s inefficacy and sadness.

From Outside Online

A: The relative danger of drunk walking never fails to surprise; nor, sadly, does the relative inefficacy of chemotherapy.

From The Daily Beast

At that moment the crime and inefficacy of bloodshed, in avenging injuries like his, or any injuries, struck upon his soul.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us no less admire the candor with which they relinquished it, upon discovering its irremediable inefficacy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the course of my argument I shall show the inefficacy of the confederation.

From Project Gutenberg

The countenance of Camilla soon betrayed, to his inquiring eyes, the inefficacy of the Tunbridge journey.

From Project Gutenberg

Gentlemen assign as a reason why the embargo should be removed, its inefficacy—that it has not answered the contemplated purpose.

From Project Gutenberg