to no effect

US /tə nō ɪˈfekt/

UK /tə nō ɪˈfekt/

1.

without producing the desired or intended result

:

•

They tried to persuade him, but to no effect.

•

All her efforts were to no effect.

:

in vain fruitlessly uselessly to no avail without success

:

effective effect effectively effectiveness in effect to that effect greenhouse effect