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

Flanked by his third AD, the cheerfully ineffectual Dag (Lolly Adefope), Daniel spends his days putting out fires and managing egos. —Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2024

But Carter's exit from the White House after what many critics decried as a largely ineffectual single term marked the beginning of what became the most consequential post-presidency in U.S. history – made even more remarkable by its inauspicious start. —Mark Updegrove, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2024

These ineffectual scarves telegraphed a casual lack of concern about a person, and trickled down from the runways of Chloé spring 2005, Marc by Marc Jacobs spring 2004 and Hedi Slimane fall 2005. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2024

How Colin Firth and Hugh Grant devised their 'ineffectual' fight in Bridget Jones's Diary Grant's next film, the A24 thriller Heretic, hits theaters Nov. 15. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 14 Sep. 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