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A2 adjective #7,500 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

inefficace

상위 7,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 inefficace 30초 만에

설명 inefficace in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'inefficace' might seem like a long word, but it is very useful for basic descriptions. Think of it as the opposite of 'bon' (good) or 'utile' (useful) when talking about how something works. If you have a pen that doesn't write, you can say it is 'inefficace'. At this stage, you should focus on using it with the verb 'être' (to be). For example: 'L'ordinateur est inefficace' (The computer is ineffective). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it describes something that doesn't do its job. It's a great word to help you move beyond simple words like 'mauvais' (bad) and start expressing more specific ideas about functionality. Even at A1, being able to say why something is bad—because it doesn't work—is a big step forward. Practice saying it slowly: in-ef-fi-cace. It sounds a bit like the English word 'ineffective', which makes it easier to remember. Just keep it simple and use it to describe objects around you that are broken or don't work well.

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By the A2 level, you can start using 'inefficace' to describe more than just broken objects. You can use it for simple actions and routines. For instance, if you are trying to learn French by only listening to music and you aren't making progress, you might say, 'Ma méthode est inefficace'. At this level, you should also be comfortable using the plural form 'inefficaces'. Remember to add the 's' when talking about multiple things: 'Ces médicaments sont inefficaces'. You can also start using it with the word 'très' (very) to add emphasis: 'C'est très inefficace'. At A2, you are expected to handle basic social interactions, and 'inefficace' is a polite way to complain about a service or a product. Instead of saying 'C'est nul', which can be a bit rude, saying 'C'est inefficace' sounds more objective and mature. Try to use it in short sentences related to your daily life, like work tasks, household chores, or health treatments.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'inefficace' to discuss more abstract topics like opinions, plans, and social issues. You can use it to participate in a discussion about whether a certain rule in your office or school is working. For example, 'Je pense que cette nouvelle règle est inefficace car personne ne la suit'. You should also begin to pair 'inefficace' with adverbs like 'totalement', 'partiellement', or 'vraiment'. This level also requires you to understand the difference between 'inefficace' and 'inutile'. 'Inefficace' is about the result, while 'inutile' is about the necessity. You might also encounter 'inefficace' in news articles or short reports. You should be able to identify what is being criticized as ineffective and why. Practice using the word in the context of 'problème' and 'solution'. If a solution doesn't fix a problem, it is 'inefficace'. This is a key word for expressing your viewpoint in the B1 speaking exam.

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At the B2 level, 'inefficace' becomes a tool for sophisticated critique and argumentation. You should use it to analyze complex systems, such as the economy, the legal system, or environmental policies. You might write an essay arguing that 'Les sanctions économiques sont souvent inefficaces pour changer le comportement d'un pays'. At this level, you should be familiar with synonyms like 'improductif' or 'infructueux' and know when to choose 'inefficace' over them. You can also use 'inefficace' in more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses: 'C'est une stratégie dont l'aspect inefficace a été prouvé par plusieurs études'. You should also be able to recognize the word in fast-paced native speech, such as in a debate on French television. At B2, you are moving towards fluency, and using 'inefficace' correctly shows that you can handle the nuances of French vocabulary and express professional-level judgments about the world around you.

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For C1 learners, 'inefficace' is a standard part of your academic and professional lexicon. You should be able to use it to discuss the nuances of failure in high-level contexts. For example, in a business presentation, you might discuss 'l'inefficacité structurelle' of a department. You should also be aware of the word's placement and how it can change the rhythm of a sentence. At C1, you are expected to use 'inefficace' alongside other high-level vocabulary to create a cohesive and persuasive argument. You might use it to describe the 'caractère inefficace' of a philosophical argument or a scientific theory. You should also be comfortable with the noun form 'inefficacité' and the adverbial form 'inefficacement' (though the latter is less common than 'de manière inefficace'). Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between something that is 'intrinsèquement inefficace' (ineffective by its very nature) and something that is 'inefficace dans ce contexte précis'.

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At the C2 level, 'inefficace' is used with total mastery and precision. You can use it to explore the subtle ironies of situations where effort leads to nothingness. You might use it in literary analysis to describe a character's 'lutte inefficace contre le destin'. At this level, you are sensitive to the stylistic effects of the word. You can use it in a variety of registers, from the highly formal to the slightly ironic. You should also be able to understand and use 'inefficace' in idiomatic or metaphorical ways that might be specific to certain fields like law or medicine. Your ability to use 'inefficace' should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can debate the 'inefficacité' of various philosophical schools of thought or political ideologies with ease, using the word to pinpoint exact failures in logic or application. At C2, 'inefficace' is not just a word, but a precise scalpel for dissecting the world's failures and shortcomings.

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inefficace 30초 만에

Inefficace means 'ineffective' and describes things that don't produce the desired result.
It is an adjective that is the same for masculine and feminine singular, adding an 's' for plural.
Commonly used for medications, strategies, tools, and professional performance.
It is more formal than 'ça ne marche pas' and more specific than 'mauvais'.

The French word inefficace is a versatile adjective that describes something or someone that does not produce the intended or desired result. It is the direct opposite of efficace (effective). In everyday French, you will encounter this word in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from personal frustrations with a broken tool to professional critiques of a business strategy. Understanding 'inefficace' is crucial for expressing dissatisfaction with performance, functionality, or utility. It is a word that carries a certain weight of judgment, suggesting that effort, time, or resources are being wasted because the outcome is not being achieved. Whether you are talking about a medicine that doesn't cure a headache, a law that doesn't prevent crime, or a method of study that doesn't help you learn, 'inefficace' is the precise term to use.

Functional Inutility: This refers to objects or tools that fail to perform their primary function. For example, a key that does not turn the lock is 'inefficace'. This usage is very common in technical and mechanical descriptions.

Cette vieille méthode de travail est devenue totalement inefficace avec les nouveaux logiciels.

Beyond physical objects, 'inefficace' frequently applies to abstract concepts like policies, laws, and strategies. If a government implements a tax intended to reduce pollution but the pollution levels remain the same, that tax is described as 'inefficace'. In the workplace, a manager might describe a meeting as 'inefficace' if no decisions were made and everyone left feeling confused. It is important to note that 'inefficace' does not necessarily mean 'useless' (inutile) in a broad sense, but specifically that it fails to produce the specific effect it was designed for. A hammer is not 'inutile', but it is 'inefficace' if you are trying to cut a piece of wood. This distinction is subtle but important for reaching a B1 or B2 level of French proficiency.

Professional Criticism: In a corporate setting, calling a process 'inefficace' is a standard way to suggest it needs improvement without being overly aggressive. It focuses on the result rather than personal blame.

Son discours était passionné, mais malheureusement inefficace pour convaincre le jury.

Medical Context: Doctors use this word to describe treatments or medications that do not alleviate the patient's symptoms or address the underlying cause of an illness.

Le premier traitement s'est révélé inefficace contre cette souche de virus.

Using 'inefficace' correctly involves placing it appropriately in relation to the noun it modifies. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun. For example, 'une méthode inefficace' (an ineffective method). However, it can also be used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb like 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'paraître' (to appear). When used this way, it must agree in number with the subject of the sentence. Because 'inefficace' already ends in an 'e', the singular form is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The only change is adding an 's' for plural subjects: 'Ces outils sont inefficaces'.

Direct Modification: Placement after the noun is the standard rule. This helps specify the quality of the object immediately. 'Un remède inefficace' clearly identifies that the remedy is the problem.

Nous devons abandonner cette stratégie inefficace immédiatement.

When constructing more complex sentences, 'inefficace' can be modified by adverbs to show degree. You might say something is 'totalement inefficace' (totally ineffective), 'partiellement inefficace' (partially ineffective), or 'assez inefficace' (quite ineffective). These nuances are vital in professional reports or academic writing where precision is required. Furthermore, 'inefficace' can be followed by a prepositional phrase to specify the domain of failure. For instance, 'inefficace pour résoudre le problème' (ineffective for solving the problem) or 'inefficace contre la douleur' (ineffective against pain). Using these structures allows for a high level of detail in your descriptions.

La police a admis que la surveillance était inefficace dans ce quartier.

Comparative and Superlative: To compare two things, use 'plus inefficace que' or 'moins inefficace que'. To say something is the most ineffective, use 'le plus inefficace' or 'la plus inefficace'.

C'est la mesure la plus inefficace jamais prise par ce gouvernement.

Linking Verbs: When using verbs like 'sembler' or 'devenir', 'inefficace' describes the state or change of the subject. 'Le plan est devenu inefficace'.

Ces mesures semblent inefficaces à long terme.

You will hear 'inefficace' in a variety of real-life scenarios in France and other French-speaking countries. In news broadcasts, journalists frequently use it to critique government policies or economic measures. For instance, an anchor might report on 'le plan de relance inefficace' (the ineffective recovery plan) during a financial segment. In a more personal setting, you might hear a friend complaining about their phone's battery life, saying 'ma batterie est devenue inefficace'. It's also a common term in educational settings; a teacher might tell a student that their study habits are 'inefficaces' and suggest a new approach. This word is part of the standard vocabulary of critique and evaluation across all strata of society.

Political Debates: Politicians often use this word to attack their opponents' ideas. It is a polite but firm way to say that someone's proposal will not work.

L'opposition a qualifié la nouvelle loi de inefficace et de coûteuse.

In the business world, 'inefficace' is often heard during performance reviews or strategy meetings. Managers use it to identify bottlenecks in production or flaws in marketing campaigns. It is a key term in 'l'amélioration continue' (continuous improvement). If a certain software 'ralentit le travail' (slows down work), it is deemed 'inefficace'. In the scientific and medical community, the word is used with high precision. Research papers will discuss 'des résultats inefficaces' in clinical trials, meaning the hypothesis was not supported or the drug did not outperform the placebo. This wide range of usage makes it one of the most useful adjectives for anyone looking to reach an intermediate or advanced level of French.

Le service client est souvent critiqué pour être lent et inefficace.

Daily Life Complaints: Whether it is a vacuum cleaner that doesn't pick up dust or a sunscreen that doesn't prevent burns, 'inefficace' is the go-to word for expressing product failure.

Cette crème solaire est inefficace, j'ai quand même pris un coup de soleil.

Sports Commentary: You might hear a commentator say a team's defense was 'inefficace' during a match, meaning they failed to stop the opponent from scoring.

L'attaque de l'équipe a été inefficace tout au long de la deuxième mi-temps.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 'inefficace' with 'inutile'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Inutile' means 'useless'—something that has no use at all. 'Inefficace' means 'ineffective'—something that might have a use, but is not achieving the desired goal in a specific instance. For example, a pencil is not 'inutile' (it's a useful tool), but it is 'inefficace' if you are trying to write on a glass surface. Another common error is regarding the spelling. English speakers often want to add a double 'f' because of the English word 'ineffective'. In French, there is only one 'f': i-n-e-f-f-i-c-a-c-e. Wait, I must correct myself—actually, French 'inefficace' DOES have two 'f's, matching the English 'ineffective'. The trap is actually the 'c' and 't'. English has 'effective' (with a 't'), while French has 'efficace' (with a 'c').

Spelling Trap: The main spelling difference between English and French is the ending. English uses '-tive' (ineffective), while French uses '-cace' (inefficace). Do not write 'ineffectif' unless you are in a very specific technical context where it might exist as a rare variant.

Faux: Ce plan est ineffectif. Correct: Ce plan est inefficace.

Another mistake involves gender agreement. As mentioned before, 'inefficace' ends in 'e' in its base form. Beginners often try to create a feminine form by adding another 'e' or changing the ending, but 'inefficace' is invariable for gender. It only changes for number. You might also see learners use 'pas efficace' instead of 'inefficace'. While 'pas efficace' is grammatically correct and very common in spoken French, 'inefficace' is the more sophisticated, single-word adjective that is preferred in writing and formal speech. Finally, be careful with the preposition that follows. Often, learners use 'à' instead of 'pour' or 'contre'. It is 'inefficace pour faire quelque chose' or 'inefficace contre un virus'.

Attention: Ne dites pas 'une méthode inefficace-e', l'orthographe reste la même au féminin.

Confusion with 'Inefficient': In English, 'inefficient' often refers to a waste of time or energy. In French, 'inefficace' can mean both 'ineffective' and 'inefficient', though 'peu performant' is sometimes better for the latter.

Ce moteur est inefficace car il consomme trop d'essence pour peu de puissance.

Overuse of 'Pas': While 'pas efficace' is fine, using the prefix 'in-' shows a higher level of vocabulary mastery. Try to use 'inefficace' in your writing to sound more native.

L'usage répétitif de 'pas efficace' peut paraître simpliste dans une dissertation.

To truly master the concept of ineffectiveness in French, it is helpful to know related words that carry slightly different nuances. 'Inutile' is the most common alternative, meaning 'useless' or 'pointless'. If something has no purpose at all, 'inutile' is your word. 'Vain' is another synonym, often used in literary or formal contexts to describe an effort that was destined to fail from the start (e.g., 'une tentative vaine'). 'Improductif' is specifically related to productivity and output, often used in business or agriculture. If a worker is not producing enough, or a field isn't growing crops, they are 'improductifs'. 'Stérile' can also be used metaphorically to describe a discussion or a period of time that yielded no results.

Inefficace vs. Inutile: 'Inefficace' = It doesn't work for the specific goal. 'Inutile' = It has no use or is unnecessary. You can have an 'inefficace' strategy that is still 'utile' because it taught you what not to do.

Son aide était inefficace, mais elle n'était pas inutile car elle m'a encouragé.

For more specific contexts, you might use 'infructueux' (unfruitful), which is often applied to searches or negotiations ('des recherches infructueuses'). If you want to describe someone who lacks the power or means to be effective, 'impuissant' (powerless) is a strong choice. In a very informal setting, you might hear 'nul' or 'bidon' to describe something that is completely ineffective or low quality. For instance, 'Ce film est nul' or 'Ton plan est bidon'. However, these should be avoided in formal writing. Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of ineffectiveness you wish to convey, whether it's a lack of power, a lack of results, or a lack of purpose.

Après trois heures de discussion stérile, nous n'avions toujours pas de solution.

Infructueux vs. Inefficace: 'Infructueux' is often used for efforts that result in nothing (zero fruit), whereas 'inefficace' might produce a result, just not the right one.

La police a mené une perquisition infructueuse au domicile du suspect.

Peu Performant: This is a common business alternative to 'inefficace'. It sounds slightly more professional and technical, focusing on performance metrics.

Le système actuel est peu performant face à la demande croissante.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'efficace' entered the French language in the 14th century, and the negative form 'inefficace' followed shortly after. It has remained remarkably stable in meaning for over 600 years.

발음 가이드

UK /i.ne.fi.kas/

US /i.ne.fi.kæs/

The stress in French is usually on the final syllable: in-ef-fi-CACE.

라임이 맞는 단어

efficace audace menace glace place surface trace rapace

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'in-' as a nasal vowel (it is not nasal here because it's followed by a vowel).
Adding a 't' sound at the end like the English 'ineffective'.
Using a hard 'c' sound (like 'k') for the second 'c' (it should be an 's' sound).
Stress on the first syllable.
Failing to pronounce the double 'f' clearly (though in modern French, double consonants are rarely lengthened).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize because of its similarity to 'ineffective'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering the 'c' instead of 't' and the double 'f'.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'in-' prefix.

듣기 2/5

Clearly articulated in most speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

efficace utile mauvais travailler faire

다음에 배울 것

improductif infructueux vain efficience rendement

고급

obsolescence caducité inanité stérilité

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Agreement

La méthode est inefficace. Les méthodes sont inefficaces.

Adjective Placement

Un plan inefficace (Usually follows the noun).

The prefix 'in-'

Inefficace, inutile, incapable, invisible.

Adverbs of degree

Très inefficace, tout à fait inefficace, assez inefficace.

Prepositions with adjectives

Inefficace pour + infinitive; Inefficace contre + noun.

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수준별 예문

Ce stylo est inefficace.

This pen is ineffective.

'Inefficace' follows the noun and the verb 'être'.

Le savon est inefficace.

The soap is ineffective.

Masculine singular usage.

La clé est inefficace.

The key is ineffective.

Feminine singular usage (same spelling).

C'est un outil inefficace.

It is an ineffective tool.

Adjective following the noun 'outil'.

Mon vieux téléphone est inefficace.

My old phone is ineffective.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Cette lampe est inefficace ici.

This lamp is ineffective here.

Adverb 'ici' adding context.

Le petit ventilateur est inefficace.

The small fan is ineffective.

Adjective 'petit' before noun, 'inefficace' after.

Ce médicament est inefficace.

This medicine is ineffective.

Common medical context at A1.

Ces méthodes sont inefficaces.

These methods are ineffective.

Plural form with 's'.

Le nouveau régime est inefficace.

The new diet is ineffective.

Using 'inefficace' for a process.

Sa protection est inefficace.

His/her protection is ineffective.

Abstract noun 'protection'.

Tes conseils sont inefficaces.

Your advice (plural) is ineffective.

Plural agreement with 'conseils'.

Cette crème est très inefficace.

This cream is very ineffective.

Using 'très' for emphasis.

Le chauffage est inefficace en hiver.

The heating is ineffective in winter.

Adding a time context 'en hiver'.

Ils utilisent un système inefficace.

They use an ineffective system.

Adjective following the noun in a direct object phrase.

Pourquoi ce plan est-il inefficace ?

Why is this plan ineffective?

Interrogative structure.

Cette loi est totalement inefficace contre la pollution.

This law is totally ineffective against pollution.

Use of 'totalement' and 'contre'.

Il a fait une tentative inefficace pour s'excuser.

He made an ineffective attempt to apologize.

Using 'inefficace' for social actions.

Le service après-vente est souvent inefficace.

Customer service is often ineffective.

Professional context.

Nous devons changer cette stratégie inefficace.

We must change this ineffective strategy.

Modal verb 'devoir' with 'changer'.

Ses arguments étaient inefficaces pendant le débat.

His arguments were ineffective during the debate.

Plural agreement with 'arguments'.

L'organisation actuelle semble inefficace.

The current organization seems ineffective.

Linking verb 'sembler'.

Ce filtre est inefficace pour purifier l'eau.

This filter is ineffective for purifying the water.

Preposition 'pour' followed by infinitive.

Je trouve cette publicité inefficace.

I find this advertisement ineffective.

Verb 'trouver' + object + adjective.

La bureaucratie rend le processus inefficace.

Bureaucracy makes the process ineffective.

Verb 'rendre' + object + adjective.

C'est une mesure inefficace à long terme.

It is an ineffective measure in the long term.

Temporal expression 'à long terme'.

Malgré ses efforts, sa technique reste inefficace.

Despite his efforts, his technique remains ineffective.

Conjunction 'malgré' and verb 'rester'.

L'éducation traditionnelle est parfois critiquée comme inefficace.

Traditional education is sometimes criticized as ineffective.

Passive structure 'est critiquée comme'.

Le gouvernement a reconnu que le plan était inefficace.

The government acknowledged that the plan was ineffective.

Subordinate clause with 'que'.

Une gestion inefficace peut mener à la faillite.

Ineffective management can lead to bankruptcy.

Subject adjective modifying 'gestion'.

Il est inefficace de travailler sans pause.

It is ineffective to work without a break.

Impersonal 'Il est' + adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

Cette approche s'est avérée inefficace.

This approach proved to be ineffective.

Pronominal verb 's'avérer'.

L'inefficacité de cette politique est devenue flagrante.

The ineffectiveness of this policy has become blatant.

Using the noun form 'inefficacité'.

Le système de santé souffre d'une structure inefficace.

The healthcare system suffers from an ineffective structure.

Complex subject and prepositional phrase.

Il a agi de manière inefficace face à la crise.

He acted in an ineffective manner in the face of the crisis.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière inefficace'.

Cette théorie est jugée inefficace par les experts.

This theory is judged ineffective by experts.

Passive voice with 'par'.

On ne peut ignorer le caractère inefficace de ces sanctions.

One cannot ignore the ineffective nature of these sanctions.

Using 'caractère' to describe a quality.

Le dialogue est inefficace si les parties ne s'écoutent pas.

Dialogue is ineffective if the parties do not listen to each other.

Conditional 'si' clause.

L'entreprise a licencié le directeur pour sa gestion inefficace.

The company fired the director for his ineffective management.

Causal 'pour' with a noun phrase.

C'est un plaidoyer passionné mais fondamentalement inefficace.

It is a passionate but fundamentally ineffective plea.

Adverb 'fondamentalement' for nuance.

L'œuvre dépeint l'inefficace résistance de l'individu face à l'État.

The work depicts the individual's ineffective resistance against the State.

Literary usage with adjective before noun for stylistic effect.

Elle s'est perdue dans des démarches administratives inefficaces.

She got lost in ineffective administrative procedures.

Metaphorical use of 'se perdre'.

Le remède s'est révélé inefficace, voire contre-productif.

The remedy proved ineffective, or even counter-productive.

Using 'voire' to introduce a stronger term.

Sa rhétorique, bien que brillante, demeure inefficace.

His rhetoric, although brilliant, remains ineffective.

Concessive clause 'bien que' with subjunctive implicitly understood.

Le déploiement de la force fut inefficace pour rétablir l'ordre.

The deployment of force was ineffective in restoring order.

Historical/formal tone.

L'inefficace vacuité de ses propos a agacé l'assemblée.

The ineffective emptiness of his remarks annoyed the assembly.

High-level vocabulary like 'vacuité'.

Il est vain de persister dans cette voie inefficace.

It is futile to persist in this ineffective path.

Synonym 'vain' used in same sentence for contrast.

L'inefficacité chronique du système menace sa survie.

The chronic ineffectiveness of the system threatens its survival.

Adjective 'chronique' modifying the noun form.

자주 쓰는 조합

remède inefficace

méthode inefficace

mesure inefficace

système inefficace

stratégie inefficace

totalement inefficace

s'avérer inefficace

gestion inefficace

traitement inefficace

protection inefficace

자주 쓰는 구문

C'est inefficace.

— Simple statement that something doesn't work. Used in many daily contexts.

N'essaie pas d'ouvrir la porte avec ça, c'est inefficace.

Une aide inefficace.

— Help that doesn't actually solve the problem. Suggests well-meaning but useless effort.

Il a essayé de m'aider, mais c'était une aide inefficace.

Rendre inefficace.

— To make something lose its effectiveness. Often used for sabotage or counter-measures.

La pluie a rendu le signal inefficace.

Demeurer inefficace.

— To remain ineffective over time. Suggests a persistent failure.

Malgré les changements, le moteur demeure inefficace.

S'avérer inefficace.

— To turn out to be ineffective after a trial or period of time.

L'expérience s'est avérée inefficace.

Être jugé inefficace.

— To be evaluated as not working. Often used in official reports.

Le projet a été jugé inefficace par la direction.

Une lutte inefficace.

— A struggle that doesn't change anything. Often used in social or literary contexts.

C'est une lutte inefficace contre le temps qui passe.

Un contrôle inefficace.

— A check or oversight that fails to catch errors or problems.

Le contrôle de sécurité était inefficace ce jour-là.

Une communication inefficace.

— Poor communication that leads to misunderstandings.

Une communication inefficace est la cause de ce conflit.

Une approche inefficace.

— A way of doing something that doesn't yield results.

Tu as une approche inefficace pour résoudre cette équation.

자주 혼동되는 단어

inefficace vs inutile

Inutile means useless/unnecessary. Inefficace means it doesn't work for the specific goal.

inefficace vs inefficient

In English, inefficient often means wasting resources. In French, inefficace covers both 'ineffective' and 'inefficient'.

inefficace vs improductif

Improductif is specifically about not producing enough output, whereas inefficace is broader.

관용어 및 표현

"Coup d'épée dans l'eau"

— Literally 'a sword stroke in the water'. It means an action that is completely ineffective and leaves no trace.

Sa protestation a été un coup d'épée dans l'eau.

informal/neutral

"Pisser dans un violon"

— Extremely informal and slightly vulgar. It means 'to do something totally useless and ineffective'.

Lui parler, c'est comme pisser dans un violon.

slang

"Prêcher dans le désert"

— To preach in the desert. To give advice or speak to people who don't listen, making the speech ineffective.

J'ai l'impression de prêcher dans le désert avec mes enfants.

neutral

"Battre l'air"

— To beat the air. To make a lot of effort without any result.

Il s'agite beaucoup, mais il ne fait que battre l'air.

neutral

"Changer un pansement sur une jambe de bois"

— To change a bandage on a wooden leg. To apply an ineffective solution to a problem that requires something much deeper.

Cette petite réforme, c'est comme mettre un pansement sur une jambe de bois.

informal

"Faire chou blanc"

— To fail to get any result, to be ineffective in a search or attempt.

Les enquêteurs ont fait chou blanc.

neutral

"S'attaquer à des moulins à vent"

— To tilt at windmills. To fight against imaginary enemies or in an ineffective, misguided way.

Il perd son temps à s'attaquer à des moulins à vent.

literary/neutral

"C'est peine perdue"

— It's lost effort. Used when an action is guaranteed to be ineffective.

N'essaie pas de le convaincre, c'est peine perdue.

neutral

"Travailler pour des prunes"

— To work for plums. To work for nothing or to produce nothing effective.

On a travaillé tout le week-end pour des prunes.

informal

"Remuer ciel et terre (sans résultat)"

— To move heaven and earth (ineffectively). While the phrase usually means working hard, it's often used when that hard work fails.

Il a remué ciel et terre, mais ses efforts sont restés inefficaces.

neutral

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inefficace vs ineffectif

Looks like the English 'ineffective'.

Ineffectif is rarely used in French, usually only in very specific legal or military contexts. Inefficace is the standard word.

Le traité est inefficace (Not ineffectif).

inefficace vs inopérant

Similar meaning.

Inopérant is more formal and often used for laws or mechanisms that are not currently functioning.

Cette règle est inopérante dans ce cas particulier.

inefficace vs vain

Both imply failure.

Vain implies that the effort was pointless from the start. Inefficace implies it just didn't work.

Une vaine promesse.

inefficace vs déficient

Implies something is wrong.

Déficient means lacking something essential or having a physical/mental deficit.

Un système immunitaire déficient.

inefficace vs nul

Both express a negative result.

Nul is very informal and can mean 'zero' or 'bad'. Inefficace is more objective.

Le score est nul.

문장 패턴

Le/La [noun] est inefficace.

Le stylo est inefficace.

Ces [noun] sont inefficaces.

Ces outils sont inefficaces.

Je trouve cette [noun] inefficace.

Je trouve cette méthode inefficace.

C'est une [noun] inefficace pour [infinitive].

C'est une solution inefficace pour réduire les coûts.

L'aspect inefficace de [noun] est [adjective].

L'aspect inefficace de ce plan est évident.

Force est de constater le caractère inefficace de [noun].

Force est de constater le caractère inefficace de cette mesure.

[Noun] s'est révélé inefficace.

Le médicament s'est révélé inefficace.

C'est très inefficace.

어휘 가족

명사

efficacité (f) - effectiveness

inefficacité (f) - ineffectiveness

동사

effectuer - to carry out

s'effectuer - to take place

형용사

efficace - effective

effectif - actual/effective (technical)

사용법

frequency

High in professional, political, and technical contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Writing 'ineffectif' instead of 'inefficace'. → inefficace
Learners often copy the English spelling '-tive'. In French, the standard adjective is '-cace'.
Pronouncing 'in-' as a nasal vowel. → [i.ne.fi.kas]
The 'n' must be pronounced because it is followed by the vowel 'e'.
Using 'inefficace' when they mean 'inutile'. → inutile
If something has no use at all, use 'inutile'. If it has a use but isn't working, use 'inefficace'.
Adding an extra 'e' for feminine agreement. → une méthode inefficace
The word already ends in 'e'. It does not change for feminine nouns.
Using the wrong preposition after 'inefficace'. → inefficace pour / inefficace contre
Learners sometimes use 'à', but 'pour' (for) or 'contre' (against) are the correct choices.

팁

Gender Invariance

Don't add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns. 'Inefficace' is already perfect as it is for both genders. Just remember the 's' for plural!

Use 'Pour' and 'Contre'

To specify what something is ineffective at, use 'pour' + infinitive (e.g., inefficace pour nettoyer) or 'contre' + noun (e.g., inefficace contre les taches).

The 'In' sound

Remember: in + vowel = clear 'n'. In + consonant = nasal. Since 'inefficace' has a vowel after the 'in', make sure you pronounce the 'n' clearly.

Formal Writing

In essays or reports, 'inefficace' is much better than saying 'ce n'est pas bon'. It shows you have a higher level of vocabulary.

Professional Nuance

If you want to be even more professional, use 'peu performant'. It sounds more technical and less like a personal complaint.

The Double F

Just like in English 'ineffective', the French 'inefficace' has two 'f's. Don't forget them!

Context Clues

If you hear 'inefficace' in the news, it's almost always followed by a reason. Listen for 'parce que' or 'car' to understand the full story.

Emphasis

To sound like a native, put a little more stress on the 'CACE' at the end when you are frustrated.

Root Word

Always link it back to 'effet' (effect). If there is no 'effet', it is 'inefficace'.

Polite Critique

Use 'inefficace' to critique ideas, not people. It makes your feedback more objective and easier to accept.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'In-Every-Field-I-Can't-Execute'. The 'in-' means not, and the 'effi-cace' sounds like 'effi-case' (a case of efficiency). If the case is empty, it's in-effi-cace.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant key trying to open a tiny lock. It's the wrong tool for the job. Visualize the word 'INEFFICACE' written on the key.

Word Web

résultat échec problème solution inutile méthode travail médicament

챌린지

Write three sentences about things in your house that are 'inefficaces' and explain why.

어원

From the Latin 'inefficax', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'efficax' (effective). The root is 'efficere', meaning 'to bring about' or 'to accomplish'.

원래 의미: Not accomplishing or not bringing about a result.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

Avoid calling a person 'inefficace' directly unless you are their supervisor in a formal review; it can be quite hurtful.

English speakers often say 'it doesn't work' (ça ne marche pas) more than 'ineffective'. 'Inefficace' sounds slightly more formal to an English ear.

Used in many French political speeches. Found in the works of Albert Camus when discussing the absurdity of life. Commonly used in French consumer protection magazines like '60 Millions de Consommateurs'.

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실제 사용 상황

Medical

traitement inefficace
médicament inefficace
dose inefficace
soins inefficaces

Business

réunion inefficace
gestion inefficace
processus inefficace
stratégie inefficace

Politics

loi inefficace
mesure inefficace
réforme inefficace
politique inefficace

Technology

logiciel inefficace
outil inefficace
système inefficace
batterie inefficace

Daily Life

aspirateur inefficace
serrure inefficace
parapluie inefficace
méthode inefficace

대화 시작하기

"Penses-tu que le télétravail est inefficace pour certaines entreprises ?"

"As-tu déjà acheté un produit qui s'est révélé totalement inefficace ?"

"Pourquoi certaines lois contre la pollution sont-elles inefficaces ?"

"Quelle est la méthode d'étude la plus inefficace que tu as essayée ?"

"Comment peut-on améliorer un système de transport inefficace ?"

일기 주제

Décris une situation où tu as dû utiliser un outil inefficace. Comment as-tu résolu le problème ?

Réfléchis à une habitude personnelle que tu juges inefficace. Pourquoi l'as-tu encore ?

Écris une lettre imaginaire à une entreprise pour te plaindre d'un service inefficace.

Analyse pourquoi certaines discussions entre amis deviennent inefficaces et tournent en rond.

Imagine un monde où rien n'est inefficace. À quoi ressemblerait la vie quotidienne ?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'inefficace' ends in 'e' in its masculine form, so it remains the same for feminine singular nouns. You only add an 's' for plural. For example, 'un plan inefficace' and 'une méthode inefficace'.

'Inefficace' means that something is not achieving its intended goal (ineffective). 'Inutile' means that something has no purpose or is not needed (useless). A tool can be useful but ineffective for a specific task.

Because the 'in-' is followed by a vowel ('e'), it is not a nasal vowel. Pronounce it like 'ee' in English, followed by the 'n' sound: [i.ne...]. It sounds like 'ee-nay'.

Yes, but be careful. Calling someone 'inefficace' is a critique of their performance or ability to get results. It is professional but can be seen as harsh in a social context.

Yes, 'pas efficace' is the negated form of 'efficace'. It is very common in spoken French. 'Inefficace' is a single adjective that is slightly more formal and precise.

Common synonyms include 'improductif' (unproductive), 'infructueux' (unfruitful), 'vain' (vain), and 'inutile' (useless), depending on the specific context.

You can say 'très inefficace' or 'totalement inefficace' for more emphasis. 'Particulièrement inefficace' is also a good option for formal writing.

Absolutely. It is a key word for evaluating strategies, processes, and employee performance. For example, 'une gestion inefficace' (ineffective management).

The opposite is 'efficace' (effective). Other opposites include 'productif' (productive) and 'performant' (high-performing).

In most cases, yes. It is an adjective of quality. However, it can appear before the noun in certain poetic or literary styles, though this is rare in modern French.

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