INEFFECTUAL
Dictionary entry overview: What does ineffectual mean?
• INEFFECTUAL (adjective)
The adjective INEFFECTUAL has 3 senses:
1. not producing an intended effect
2. producing no result or effect
3. lacking in power or forcefulness
Familiarity information: INEFFECTUAL used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• INEFFECTUAL (adjective)
Meaning:
Not producing an intended effect
Synonyms:
ineffective; ineffectual; uneffective
Context examples:
an ineffective teacher / ineffective legislation
Similar:
toothless (lacking necessary force for effectiveness)
unproductive (not producing desired results)
Also:
inefficient (not producing desired results; wasteful)
idle (not in action or at work)
inefficacious (lacking the power to produce a desired effect)
useless (having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully)
powerless (lacking power)
Attribute:
effectiveness; effectivity; effectuality; effectualness (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Meaning:
Producing no result or effect
Synonyms:
futile; unavailing; ineffectual; otiose
Context examples:
a futile effort / the therapy was ineffectual / an otiose undertaking / an unavailing attempt
Similar:
useless (having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully)
Meaning:
Lacking in power or forcefulness
Synonyms:
ineffective; unable; ineffectual
Context examples:
an ineffectual ruler / like an unable phoenix in hot ashes
Similar:
impotent (lacking power or ability)
