online vocabulary.com

Ineffectual - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ineffectual means lacking the ability or power to produce a desired result. It describes actions, efforts, or people that fail to achieve their purpose or are weak in impact.

ineffectual

/ˌɪnɪˈfɛkʧuəl/ /ˌɪnɪˈfɛktʃuəl/

Definition:

Not producing the desired effect; lacking effectiveness or power.

Synonyms:

ineffective, futile, useless, unproductive, weak

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

effective, potent, successful

Common Collocations:

ineffectual leader, ineffectual efforts, ineffectual policy, ineffectual argument

Derivatives:

ineffectually, ineffectuality

Usage Tips:

Use "ineffectual" to describe actions or people that fail to achieve intended results due to weakness or inadequacy.

Common Phrases:

ineffectual attempt, ineffectual protest, ineffectual measures

Etymology:

From Latin *ineffectus* (not accomplished) + *-al*, meaning "not producing an effect."

Examples:

  • 1. The committee's ineffectual policies led to no real change.
  • 2. His ineffectual leadership left the team disorganized and demoralized.
  • 3. The medicine proved ineffectual against her persistent cough.
  • 4. Her ineffectual protests were ignored by the authorities.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS