effectual

adjective

ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-chü(-ə)l;

-ˈfeksh-wəl

: producing or able to produce a desired effect

effectuality

i-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

-chü-ˈa-

noun

effectualness

i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l-nəs 

-chü(-ə)l-;

-ˈfeksh-wəl-

noun

Synonyms

• effective
• efficacious
• efficient
• fruitful
• operative
• potent
• productive

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of effectual in a Sentence

after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped

Recent Examples on the Web

Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas? —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024

Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. —Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024

Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. —USA Today, 8 Dec. 2022

The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022

For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers. —Glamour, 26 May 2022

The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual. —Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021

The work continues—certainly more effectual, if not louder, than the sound bites. —Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2020

The most that can be decisively taken from all this is that the factors that render radical action productive or counterproductive, effectual or ineffectual, are complex. —Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 30 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English effectuel, effectual "efficacious, effective, legally binding," borrowed from Anglo-French effectuel, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuālis, from Latin effectu-, stem of effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for effectual

• aspectual
• ineffectual
• intellectual

Kids Definition

effectual

adjective

ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

: producing or able to produce the desired result

an effectual remedy

effectually

-ē

adverb

effectualness noun