SportsAugust 18, 2026

inefficacy

in-EF-ih-kuh-see

Definition

The lack of effectiveness, power, or ability to produce a desired result or effect.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'inefficacia', it combines the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') with 'efficax' (meaning 'effective' or 'powerful').

In the news

The article uses the term to describe why a player's attempts to continue playing while injured have been counterproductive, as they failed to yield the necessary performance results.

MLB Power Rankings: Which stars have surprisingly struggled this season? We have our list

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The New York Times

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