ineffectual

adjective

in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or intended effect : futile
2
ineffectuality noun
ineffectually adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clearly Valya and Tula never counted on such a figure — nor on Empress Natalya to so forcibly press for his use as a weapon on behalf of her ineffectual husband, Emperor Javicco Corrino. Sean T. Collins, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 Pascal’s character turns out to be a decent man plotting to unseat the cruel, ineffectual emperors, complicating our sympathies in a potentially interesting way. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 David Arquette, cast as good-natured if ineffectual deputy Dewey, met Courteney Cox at the first read. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 The Dance was born out of a succession crisis that occurred in the reign of the well-meaning but ineffectual King Viserys I (Paddy Considine), which HOTD’s first season had to devote much screen time to explaining. Basma Bedawi, Vulture, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ineffectual 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineffectual was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ineffectual

Cite this Entry

“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffectual. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ineffectual

adjective
in·​ef·​fec·​tu·​al ˌin-ə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
1
: not producing the proper or usual effect
an ineffectual attempt
2
ineffectually
-ˈfek-chə(-wə)-lē How to pronounce ineffectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wə-
adverb
ineffectualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ineffectual

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