1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
an ineffectual effort to find the trail again did at least lead them to another stunning view of the canyon
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ineffectual
One of those two justices focused on how it was underused, rendering it ineffectual for deterring others from committing crimes.
—
Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Being made to look ineffectual—particularly at a moment when public opinion would reward him for toughness—could well goad Trump into taking action.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2022, after a period of relative quiet, the M23 began clashing with the Congolese Army, a corrupt and largely ineffectual force.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Progressives, both those in the House and those running to join Schumer in the upper chamber, did not hesitate to lay blame at the feet of the New York senator, arguing his ineffectual leadership led eight Democrats to cut a deal with Republican leaders to reopen the government in the coming days.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Being made to look ineffectual—particularly at a moment when public opinion would reward him for toughness—could well goad Trump into taking action.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
In 2022, after a period of relative quiet, the M23 began clashing with the Congolese Army, a corrupt and largely ineffectual force.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Progressives, both those in the House and those running to join Schumer in the upper chamber, did not hesitate to lay blame at the feet of the New York senator, arguing his ineffectual leadership led eight Democrats to cut a deal with Republican leaders to reopen the government in the coming days.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffectual
Adjective
-
His work there included an unsuccessful effort to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, which drew congressional scrutiny.—
Dan Sullivan,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Attempts to reach Coplan and Jones individually were unsuccessful.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This defeatist thinking is misguided and assumes action will be futile.—
Jim Costa,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
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All throughout the film, there are images of terrible things being done to other creatures, as if to express the humans’ futile attempts to tamp down their natural urges.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The old model of network pilot season was terribly inefficient from a business standpoint.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
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In a game where guards Kaden Gumbs and Mark Drone had inefficient shooting nights, Emmou’s offensive punch proved invaluable.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While sowing seeds in winter is a smart way to get a head start on gardening season, doing so too early can stress your seedlings, rendering your efforts useless.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
22 Feb. 2026
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Suspects are allegedly jamming the signal, making your camera useless.—
Chris Hoffman,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Democrats also largely take aim at how wasteful and ineffective the policy may be.—
STEPHEN GROVES,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Trump has repeatedly characterized FEMA as ineffective and has pushed for states to have a larger role in disaster response.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Strom added that the offering outreach to homeless people with the threat of booting them and throwing their belongings out is counterproductive.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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And data showed outcomes were counterproductive.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffectual. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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