effectual

adjective

ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-chü(-ə)l;

-ˈfeksh-wəl

: producing or able to produce a desired effect

effectuality

i-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

-chü-ˈa-

noun

effectualness

i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l-nəs 

-chü(-ə)l-;

-ˈfeksh-wəl-

noun

Synonyms

• effective
• efficacious
• efficient
• fruitful
• operative
• potent
• productive

Choose the Right Synonym for effectual

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result.

effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Examples of effectual in a Sentence

after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2014, that party has been disbanded, its remnants swept into the much smaller and less effectual Opposition Bloc. —Konstantin Skorkin, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2019

Exceptions, such as the Iranian sanctions preceding the negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are typically multinational, economically effectual, and explicit in stating the criteria and circumstances under which policy change would yield sanctions removal. —Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2017

Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas? —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. —Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024

No doubt as long as man and all other animals are viewed as independent creations, an effectual stop is put to our natural desire to investigate as far as possible the causes of expression. —Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2012

The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022

For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers. —Glamour, 26 May 2022

The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual. —Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English effectuel, effectual "efficacious, effective, legally binding," borrowed from Anglo-French effectuel, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuālis, from Latin effectu-, stem of effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

effectual

adjective

ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

: producing or able to produce the desired result

an effectual remedy

effectually

-ē

adverb

effectualness noun