ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

1

: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile

2

: ineffective sense 2

ineffectuality

ˌi-nə-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē 

noun

ineffectually

ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē 

-ˈfek-shwə-

adverb

ineffectualness noun

Synonyms

• counterproductive
• feckless
• hamstrung
• ineffective
• inefficacious
• inefficient
• inexpedient

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

For a business, a high-speed connection can mean the difference between productive or ineffectual operations, customer satisfaction or abandonment, and ultimately profit or loss. —Glenn Katz, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

We’re trapped behind a screen, too, and even more ineffectual at stopping these characters from hurting themselves and each other. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ineffectual

• intellectual
• aspectual
• effectual

Kids Definition

ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 

-ˈfeksh-wəl

1

: not producing the proper or usual effect

an ineffectual attempt

2

: ineffective sense 2

ineffectually

-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē 

-ˈfeksh-wə-

adverb

ineffectualness noun