Ineffectual

/ˌɪnɪˈfɛktʃuəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not producing any or the desired effect; ineffective.

The committee's efforts to resolve the conflict were ultimately ineffectual.

Lacking the ability or qualities to cope with a situation.

His ineffectual attempt to convince her only made her more determined.

Insufficient to produce a desired result.

The ineffectual measures taken by the management led to a decline in employee morale.

From the Latin 'ineffectualis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'effectualis' meaning 'effective'.

ineffectual apology

An apology that does not seem sincere or does not resolve the issue.

ineffectual attempts

Attempts that fail to achieve the expected outcome.

ineffectiveness

The quality of not producing the desired effect.

ineffective

Not producing the desired or intended result.

A total flop.

That plan was a total flop; it was completely ineffectual.

Going nowhere.

The meeting was going nowhere; all the ideas were just ineffectual.