Words / C1

in-i-FEKCH-oo-uh-l/ˌɪnɪˈfektʃuəl/

Ineffectual means not producing the intended result, often of a person or measure: an ineffectual warning, ineffectual leadership. Effect (already in the dictionary) is the related noun; a poster about fire doors does not replace a working closer.

Meaning

Not producing the intended result; weak and unsuccessful.

Examples

• “An ineffectual slogan on the door is not invigilation.”
• “An ineffectual poster on the fire door does not replace a working closer.”
• “Futile is harsher. Powerless is the person twin. A poster is comms. A latch is hardware. Fix the closer; then hang the poster if it still helps the queue.”

Good to know

Not achieving the intended result. Related: effect (already in the dictionary). A poster ≠ a latch.

Near in meaning

futile, powerless

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