'ineffective' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ineffectīvus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'effectīvus' meant 'effective.'

'ineffectīvus' transformed into the French word 'ineffectif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ineffective' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not producing an effect,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.