ineffectual adj

1 not sufficient to produce a desired result; "an ineffectual effort to block the legislation" [ant: effectual]

2 not producing an intended effect; "an ineffective teacher"; "ineffective legislation" [syn: ineffective, uneffective] [ant: effective]

3 producing no result or effect; "a futile effort"; "the therapy was ineffectual"; "an otiose undertaking"; "an unavailing attempt" [syn: futile, otiose, unavailing]

4 lacking in power or forcefulness; "an ineffectual ruler"; "like an unable phoenix in hot ashes" [syn: ineffective, unable]

English

Etymology

in- "not" + effectual "having effect"

Adjective

1. unable or insufficient to produce effect; futile

   After several ineffectual and abortive leaps, we were forced to lift him over the obstacle.

2. worthless
3. weak; lacking forcefulness

   Our group leader proved highly ineffectual, caving to every whim put forth by the other members.

Related terms

• ineffectualness
• ineffectuality
• ineffectually

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