to no effect Definition

effect
noun

1. A result.

Thesaurus: conclusion, consequence, outcome, result, upshot, aftermath, fruit.
2. An impression given or produced.

Thesaurus: meaning, drift, substance, neat, heart, core, pith, essence, import, impression.
3. Operation; a working state.

Example: The ban comes into effect today
4. formal
Property.
Thesaurus: trappings, belongings, goods, possessions, property, things, belongings, paraphernalia.
Form: effects (usually)
5. Devices, especially lighting and sound, used to create a particular impression in a film or on a stage, etc.

Example: special effects
Form: effects (usually)

verb

effected, effecting
1. formal
To do something; to make something happen, or to bring it about.
Thesaurus: cause, produce, create, make, begin, bring about, initiate, actuate, wreak, accomplish, achieve, fulfil, complete, execute, perform, consummate.

Idiom: for effect

In order to make an impression on others.

Idiom: give effect to something

formal
To do it or bring it into operation.

Idiom: in effect

In reality; practically speaking.
Thesaurus: in fact, actually, really; virtually, to all intents and purposes.

Idiom: take effect

To begin to work; to come into force.

Idiom: to the effect that

formal
With the meaning or result that.

Idiom: to good effect (to some etc effect)

With much or some, etc success.

Idiom: to no effect

With no success.

Idiom: to that effect

formal
With that meaning or intended result.

Idiom: with effect from

formal
Coming into operation or becoming valid at (a specified time).

Idiom: with immediate effect

formal
As from now.

Etymology: 14c as noun: French, from Latin effectus.

Info:

A word often confused with this one is affect.