Ineffectual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l/ in·ef·fec·tu·al

Meaning & Definition of Ineffectual

Ineffectual (adjective)

  1. not producing the proper or intended effect, futile
  2. ineffective

Ineffectual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient
    related: abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, nonproductive, pointless, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, worthless
    opposite: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient
    near: availing, beneficial, helpful, productive, profitable, successful, useful, worthwhile

  2. producing no results

    "another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising"

    similar: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffective, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail
    related: hollow, idle, meaningless, pointless, valueless, worthless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting, counterproductive
    opposite: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous
    near: meaningful, worthwhile, adequate, sufficient, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ineffectual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ineffectual:

counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient, abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, futile, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ineffectual

Words with the opposite meaning of Ineffectual:

effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient, deadly, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Related Words for Ineffectual

nonproductive, pointless, worthless, hollow, idle, meaningless, valueless, hopeless, impossible, lost, no-win, unattainable, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting

Near Antonyms of Ineffectual

availing, beneficial, helpful, useful, worthwhile, meaningful, adequate, sufficient, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable

Word Forms of Ineffectual

Derived words: ineffectuality (noun), ineffectually (adverb), ineffectualness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ineffectual

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Ineffectual

What does "Ineffectual" mean?

"Ineffectual" means not producing the proper or intended effect, futile. As an adjective, it is defined as: not producing the proper or intended effect, futile. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ineffectual"?

Other words for "Ineffectual" include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient and abortive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ineffectual" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ineffectual"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ineffectual". Common alternatives include counterproductive, feckless, hamstrung, ineffective, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient, abortive, barren and bootless.

What is the opposite of "Ineffectual"?

Antonyms of "Ineffectual" include effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient and deadly. Near antonyms include availing, beneficial, helpful and useful.

How do you use "Ineffectual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ineffectual" in a sentence: "an ineffectual effort to find the trail again did at least lead them to another stunning view of the canyon"; "another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising".

Is "Ineffectual" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ineffectual" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Ineffectual"?

"Ineffectual" is pronounced /ˌi-nə-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l/ and divided into syllables as in·ef·fec·tu·al.

What is the origin of the word "Ineffectual"?

First known use: 15th century.