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ineffectual - 4 dictionary results

in⋅ef⋅fec⋅tu⋅al

  [in-i-fek-choo-uhl]
Use ineffectual in a Sentence
–adjective
1. not effectual; without satisfactory or decisive effect: an ineffectual remedy.
2. unavailing; futile: His efforts to sell the house were ineffectual.
3. powerless; impotent.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME; see in- 3 , effectual

Related forms:
in⋅ef⋅fec⋅tu⋅al⋅i⋅ty, in⋅ef⋅fec⋅tu⋅al⋅ness, noun
in⋅ef⋅fec⋅tu⋅al⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. ineffective, fruitless, pointless, abortive. See useless. 3. feeble, weak.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ineffectual
in·ef·fec·tu·al   (ĭn'ĭ-fěk'chōō-əl)   
adj.  
    1. Insufficient to produce a desired effect: an ineffectual effort to block the legislation.
    2. Useless; worthless: an ineffectual treatment for cancer.
  2. Lacking forcefulness or effectiveness; weak: an ineffectual ruler.
in'ef·fec'tu·al'i·ty (-āl'ĭ-tē), in'ef·fec'tu·al·ness n., in'ef·fec'tu·al·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Ineffectual

In`ef*fec"tu*al\ (?; 135), a. Not producing the proper effect; without effect; inefficient; weak; useless; futile; unavailing; as, an ineffectual attempt; an ineffectual expedient. --Pope.

The peony root has been much commended, . . . and yet has been by many found ineffectual. --Boyle.

Syn: Inefficient; useless; inefficacious; vain; fruitless; unavailing; futile. See Useless, Inefficacious.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : ineffectual
Spanish: ineficaz,
German: wirkungslos,
Japanese: 効果のない
More Translations »

ineffectual 
c.1425, from in- "not" + effectual (see effect).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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