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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of ineffectual
That organization still exists (and its leaders attended the London meeting), but many of the original participants dropped out of it because of differences over tactics and strategy, and the group that remains is small and ineffectual.
—
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2026
However, those clauses have proved largely ineffectual, according to Conklin.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 25 Mar. 2026
An evil global cabal, an ineffectual justice system, the exercise of unchecked power by untrustworthy experts—these are familiar themes.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Besson takes real liberties with Stoker’s original saga too, hinting at a purposeful attempt to reframe Dracula as a sly romantic hero that winds up looking like just another ineffectual vampire movie instead.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2026
However, those clauses have proved largely ineffectual, according to Conklin.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 25 Mar. 2026
An evil global cabal, an ineffectual justice system, the exercise of unchecked power by untrustworthy experts—these are familiar themes.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2026
Besson takes real liberties with Stoker’s original saga too, hinting at a purposeful attempt to reframe Dracula as a sly romantic hero that winds up looking like just another ineffectual vampire movie instead.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffectual
Adjective
-
Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob said his unsuccessful bid to buy the San Diego Padres assumed that the entire 2027 MLB season would likely be lost due to labor strife.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
6 May 2026
-
The assailant stabbed the pope with a bayonet, but the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Since efforts to end the war began, Trump has frequently switched between publicly projecting progress and dismissing the talks as futile.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
But although resistance is similarly futile, their goals are less about assimilation than worshipping the obsessive Grant's wife, Starla (Elizabeth Banks).—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
However, conventional anaerobic digestion remains relatively inefficient, with the process typically converting less than 40% of the sludge's carbon into usable gas.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 May 2026
-
From Tecolote to Liberty Station, the city has proven inefficient at managing property.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
But at a certain point in adulthood, prayer began to feel useless to me.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
4 May 2026
-
From certain side sections, the rear screen was nearly useless.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Ducks’ power play, ineffective in the first three games, finally broke through with two goals.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Officials say current effort is not working City officials argue the current enforcement system has been ineffective because some businesses simply absorb fines as a cost of doing business.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Administration officials singling out wind was counterproductive to ongoing bipartisan Congressional talks on reforming the federal permitting system for all forms of energy, Grumet said.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
In some cases, attempts to diagnose and treat can be counterproductive.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffectual. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
