ineffectual
adjective
in·ef·fec·tu·al
ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l 
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile
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
The businessman who has never run for office before portrayed Kansas as a state that has stagnated under the leadership of ineffectual Republicans and radical Democrats.
—
Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Their country is mired in a prolonged crisis brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption, economic mismanagement and an ineffectual government.
—Janie Har, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The country is mired in a prolonged crisis brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption, economic mismanagement and an ineffectual government.
—Dan Gooding
amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The ineffectual nature of California’s energy policies are why advocates of California going green fall back on specious arguments, like the idea that California must continue inflicting higher energy costs on its residents to inspire other states and even the world to follow suit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
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Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Their country is mired in a prolonged crisis brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption, economic mismanagement and an ineffectual government.
—Janie Har, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The country is mired in a prolonged crisis brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption, economic mismanagement and an ineffectual government.
—Dan Gooding
amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The ineffectual nature of California’s energy policies are why advocates of California going green fall back on specious arguments, like the idea that California must continue inflicting higher energy costs on its residents to inspire other states and even the world to follow suit.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Cite this Entry
“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffectual. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
ineffectualness
noun
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