ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile
2
ineffectuality noun
ineffectually adverb
ineffectualness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Macías was believed by Spain to be so weak and ineffectual that future economic benefits for Spain, even after independence, would be axiomatic. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025 In Kenya, 77% of people view their government’s efforts in fighting corruption as ineffectual. Richard Aidoo, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025 The men in their lives are bumbling, terrible or just ineffectual. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 But two factors are important to keep in mind to help explain why even trying to front-run a White House announcement would be ineffectual. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ineffectual

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffectual was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffectual. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ineffectual

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or usual effect
an ineffectual attempt
2
ineffectually
-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wə-
adverb
ineffectualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffectual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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