effectual

[ ih-fek-choo-uhl ]

adjective

1. producing or capable of producing an intended effect; adequate.
2. valid or binding, as an agreement or document.

effectual

/ ɪˈfɛktjʊəl /

adjective

1. capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective
2. (of documents, agreements, etc) having legal force

Derived Forms

• efˌfectuˈality, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of effectual¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English effectuel (from Middle French ); late Middle English effectual, from Medieval Latin effectuālis, equivalent to Latin effectu-, stem of effectus effect + -ālis -al ¹

Example Sentences

He said law enforcement resources “should be directed someplace a little more effectual,” such as combating fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

From Seattle Times

“This case is constitutionally moot because the Court can no longer grant any effectual relief,” the companies argued in a filing with U.S.

From Seattle Times

“And so this poison was allowed to enter the national bloodstream and infect public life without the Government taking any effectual measures to master the course of the disease.”

From Salon

The lifting of the bans is in many ways more symbolic than effectual.

From Los Angeles Times

Butler’s fighting style is similar to the film’s: brawny, unshowy, effectual and explosive only when necessary.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What are other ways to say effectual?

Something effectual produces or is capable of producing an intended effect. But effectual isn’t quite the same as efficacious, effective, or efficient! Find out why on Thesaurus.com.