ineffectual
adjective
in·ef·fec·tu·al
ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile
ineffectualness
noun
Synonyms
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
Kane, considered one of best players in the world, was taken off in the second half after an ineffectual performance following his goal.
—
Ben Church, CNN, 20 June 2024
Sounds like something Logan Roy would say to his ineffectual sons in the middle of a hostile takeover.
—Zoe Guy, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2024
Unless our parties can turn away from self-preservation and embrace a radical commitment to problem solving, our government — big or small — will remain ineffectual, unproductive, and deeply distrusted.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2024
This time, with Israeli drones and armor a constant threat, Hamas authorities barely have a presence in the streets — and an ineffectual one at that.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ineffectual 
Ben Church, CNN, 20 June 2024
Sounds like something Logan Roy would say to his ineffectual sons in the middle of a hostile takeover.
—Zoe Guy, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2024
Unless our parties can turn away from self-preservation and embrace a radical commitment to problem solving, our government — big or small — will remain ineffectual, unproductive, and deeply distrusted.
—S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2024
This time, with Israeli drones and armor a constant threat, Hamas authorities barely have a presence in the streets — and an ineffectual one at that.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ineffectual
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ineffectual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ineffectual
Cite this Entry
“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffectual. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
ineffectualness
noun
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