'ineffective' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ineffectīvus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'effectīvus' meant 'effective.' 'Focused' comes from the Latin 'focus,' meaning 'hearth' or 'fireplace,' which evolved to mean 'center of activity or interest.'

'ineffectīvus' transformed into the Old French word 'ineffectif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ineffective.' 'Focus' was adopted directly from Latin into English in the 17th century.

Initially, 'ineffective' meant 'not producing an intended effect,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage. 'Focus' originally referred to a physical center, but now also means a central point of attention or activity.