# ineffectual

/ˌɪnəˈfɛktʃuəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnɪfˈɛktʃuːəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ineffectual
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

not having any real effect or power. You use this to describe someone or something that fails to do what it is supposed to do.

For teachers: lacking the power or effectiveness to produce a desired result. Often used to describe individuals or policies that fail to achieve their intended purpose.

## Examples

- The new law proved to be ineffectual in reducing crime.
- Despite the team's best efforts, the ineffectual leadership led to a complete failure of the project.
- The critic argued that the protagonist's ineffectual attempts to change the system only served to highlight the deep-seated corruption within the establishment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.