Ineffectual

/ˌɪnɪˈfɛkt͡ʃuəl/ · adjective

Meaning

Unable or insufficient to produce effect..

Definitions by Sense

1. Unable or insufficient to produce effect.
2. Worthless; ineffective.
3. Weak, indecisive; lacking forcefulness.

Example Sentences

1865, Henry David Thoreau, Cape Cod, Chapter II. "Stage-coach Views", page 16. This coach was an exceedingly narrow one, but as there was a slight spherical excess over two on a seat, the driver waited till nine passengers had got in, without taking the measure of any of them, and then shut the door after two or three ineffectual slams, as if the fault were all in the hinges or the latch,—while we timed our inspirations and expirations so as to assist him.

Until the recent rash of North London line maps appeared on station billboards in the London area of BR, the service undoubtedly suffered from meagre and ineffectual publicity.

And this is where the larger problem lies: when states try to enforce impossible bans, everyone loses. 3D printing farragoes have all the hallmarks of the absolute worst kind of ineffectual ban: one which encourages overly draconian laws that carry huge side effects, and that ultimately to have little to no effect.

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

Synonyms for ineffectual

Antonyms for ineffectual

Related Words

Word Forms

• more ineffectual
• most ineffectual
• ineffectuall

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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