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

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

Don’t waste the power of a good rage on ineffectual outbursts at other people who just happen to be nearby. —Jennifer Culp, Them, 11 Oct. 2024

Any attempts to change that process may be ineffectual or result in even worse outcomes. —Shoeb Javed, Forbes, 4 Oct. 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