ineffectual

[ in-i-fek-choo-uhl ]

adjective

1. not effectual; without satisfactory or decisive effect:

   an ineffectual remedy.

2. unavailing; futile:

   His efforts to sell the house were ineffectual.

   Synonyms: abortive, pointless, fruitless, ineffective

3. powerless; impotent.

   Synonyms: weak, feeble

ineffectual

/ ˌɪnɪˈfɛktʃʊəl /

adjective

1. having no effect or an inadequate effect
2. lacking in power or forcefulness; impotent

   an ineffectual ruler

Derived Forms

• ˌinefˌfectuˈality, noun
• ˌinefˈfectually, adverb

Other Words From

• inef·fectu·ali·ty inef·fectu·al·ness noun
• inef·fectu·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ineffectual¹

A late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; in- ³, effectual

Synonym Study

See useless.

Example Sentences

Operating on the assumption that 4B amounts a "sex strike," it's easy for opinion writers to shrug it off as ineffectual and unlikely to gain momentum.

From Salon

In a sea of ineffectual biographies devoted to the Beatles’ guitarist, Rogovoy makes a case for Harrison’s most important contribution: the music itself.

From Salon

And, like the wars of 50 years ago, it’s contributed to a one-term Democratic president who has, to date, been ineffectual at halting spiraling violence and brutality abroad.

From Los Angeles Times

“The data suggests, as does our experience, that most meetings are time consuming and ineffectual.”

From BBC

But both the Greens’ small council and that of the Blacks have been rendered ineffectual by either a deficit of effective leadership or its absence.

From Salon

Related Words

• futile
• impotent
• inadequate
• ineffective
• inefficient
• insufficient
• unproductive