ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile
2
ineffectuality noun
ineffectually adverb
ineffectualness noun

Examples of ineffectual in a Sentence

an ineffectual effort to find the trail again did at least lead them to another stunning view of the canyon another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
David Arquette, cast as good-natured if ineffectual deputy Dewey, met Courteney Cox at the first read. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The Dance was born out of a succession crisis that occurred in the reign of the well-meaning but ineffectual King Viserys I (Paddy Considine), which HOTD’s first season had to devote much screen time to explaining. Basma Bedawi, Vulture, 14 June 2024 The evidence reveals that the Biden–Harris approach has been spectacularly successful, while the Trump approach has been largely ineffectual. Steven Tian, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 On a dime, Carmine — who’d just started to see Sofia as his true heir apparent, rather than his ineffectual son, Alberto (Michael Zegen) — turns on his daughter. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ineffectual 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffectual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ineffectual

Cite this Entry

“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffectual. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineffectual

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or usual effect
an ineffectual attempt
2
ineffectually
-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wə-
adverb
ineffectualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffectual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!