ineffectual
adjective/ˌɪnɪˈfektʃuəl/
/ˌɪnɪˈfektʃuəl/
(formal)- without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to
- He plays the role of a blustering and ineffectual teacher.
- an ineffectual attempt to reform the law
Extra ExamplesTopics Change, cause and effectc2, Difficulty and failurec2- If only the head of department weren't so ineffectual.
- My experience on the committees has shown me how slow and ineffectual they are.
- She made an ineffectual grab at the book.
- The president is seen as weak and ineffectual.
Word Originlate Middle English: from medieval Latin ineffectualis, from in- ‘not’ + effectualis, from Latin effectus (from efficere ‘accomplish’, from ex- ‘out, thoroughly’ + facere ‘do, make’); in later use from in- ‘not’ + effectual.Want to learn more?
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ineffectual