ontdoende

Ontdoende is a Dutch adjective used to describe something that fails to achieve its intended effect; it denotes ineffectiveness, futility, or unproductiveness in fulfilling a purpose. The term is most commonly found in formal, historical, or analytical writing and is less common in everyday speech.

Etymology and nuance: Ontdoende is formed from the prefix ont- (a negation) and doende, the present participle of doen (to do). The combination conveys the sense of not producing the desired result or not acting effectively. The word carries a slightly archaic or scholarly register and can imply failure even when some action has taken place.

Usage: The adjective can modify nouns such as maatregel (measure), argument, or middel (means) to indicate lack of efficacy: voor example, een ontdoende maatregel would be a measure that does not achieve its aims. In modern Dutch, ontdoende is uncommon and may sound formal or literary; more common expressions for everyday use are niet-doeltreffend, ondoeltreffend, or mislukt. The term can also appear in expressions like een ontdoende poging, referring to an ineffective or abortive attempt.

Relation to other terms: Ontdoende stands in contrast to words that denote success or effectiveness, such as doeltreffend. It shares semantic space with synoniemen like nutteloos or futiel, but remains distinct in its focus on being unable to deliver the intended outcome rather than simply being useless.

See also: Doeltreffend, Niet-doeltreffend, Mislukt, Nutteloos.