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effectual

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adjective ef·fec·tu·al \i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l, -chü(-ə)l; -ˈfeksh-wəl\

Definition of effectual

  1. :  producing or able to produce a desired effect

effectuality

play \i-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē, -chü-ˈa-\ noun

effectualness

play \i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l-nəs, -chü(-ə)l-; -ˈfeksh-wəl-\ noun

See effectual defined for English-language learners

See effectual defined for kids

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Examples of effectual in a Sentence

  1. acting like a jerk has generally not been a terribly effectual dating strategy

Recent Examples of effectual from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effectual'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of effectual

14th century

effectual Synonyms

Synonyms
effective, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent, productive
Antonyms
fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless
Related Words
hyperefficient, ultraefficient; adequate, capable, competent; accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced (also practised), proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso; cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid; active, dynamic; useful, working; applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable (also useable), workable
Near Antonyms
counterproductive; incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful; abortive, bootless, futile, vain; empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful; inoperative, worthless

Synonym Discussion of effectual

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. an effective rebuttal effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning. an efficient small car efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

EFFECTUAL Defined for English Language Learners

effectual

play
adjective

Definition of effectual for English Language Learners

  • : producing a desired result or effect

EFFECTUAL Defined for Kids

effectual

play
adjective ef·fec·tu·al \i-ˈfek-chə-wəl\

Definition of effectual for Students

  1. :  producing or able to produce a desired effect an effectual remedy

effectually

adverb

Learn More about effectual

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for effectual Spanish Central: Translation of effectual Nglish: Translation of effectual for Spanish speakers

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Examples: effectual in a Sentence
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