to no effect
1
not yielding the expected result
- He tried to convince them to change their minds, but his arguments were to no effect.
- Despite her efforts to study all night, it was to no effect; she still failed the exam.
- The company increased advertising spending, but it was to no effect as sales continued to decline.
- The politician made promises to improve the economy, but his policies were to no effect.
- They attempted to repair the old machine, but their efforts were to no effect; it still wouldn't work properly.