ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

1

: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile

2

: ineffective sense 2

ineffectuality

ˌi-nə-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

ineffectually

ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē 

-ˈfek-shwə-

adverb

ineffectualness noun

Synonyms

• counterproductive
• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• inefficacious
• inefficient
• inexpedient

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

Allen had just taken over as chairman of the AOU’s Committee on Bird Protection—which had been completely ineffectual before then. —Tim Gallagher, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

Clearly Valya and Tula never counted on such a figure — nor on Empress Natalya to so forcibly press for his use as a weapon on behalf of her ineffectual husband, Emperor Javicco Corrino. —Sean T. Collins, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

Pascal’s character turns out to be a decent man plotting to unseat the cruel, ineffectual emperors, complicating our sympathies in a potentially interesting way. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

David Arquette, cast as good-natured if ineffectual deputy Dewey, met Courteney Cox at the first read. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

1

: not producing the proper or usual effect

an ineffectual attempt

2

: ineffective sense 2

ineffectually

-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē 

-ˈfeksh-wə-

adverb

ineffectualness noun