effectual

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

Definition of effectual

: 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

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Examples of effectual in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of effectual from the Web

There is evidence from both human and animal studies that this is effectual to some degree.

— sandy bauers, Philly.com, "Health Q&A: What it may mean when you can't smell that smell," 7 July 2017
Lindsay Scott, her effectual Australian co-manager, shepherds me backstage, where Cher is meeting and greeting.

— rob tannenbaum, Billboard, "Cher Sounds Off on Trump's 'Cheating' & Why She's 'Not a Fan' of Her Six Decades of Hits," 18 May 2017

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

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