1
as in unsuccessful
not producing the desired result
an ineffectual effort to find the trail again did at least lead them to another stunning view of the canyon
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in futile
producing no results
another ineffectual plan to lose weight without dieting or exercising
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ineffectual
The country is mired in a prolonged crisis brought on by years of hyperinflation, political corruption, economic mismanagement and an ineffectual government.
—
CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
One of those two justices focused on how it was underused, rendering it ineffectual for deterring others from committing crimes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Being made to look ineffectual—particularly at a moment when public opinion would reward him for toughness—could well goad Trump into taking action.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
Progressives, both those in the House and those running to join Schumer in the upper chamber, did not hesitate to lay blame at the feet of the New York senator, arguing his ineffectual leadership led eight Democrats to cut a deal with Republican leaders to reopen the government in the coming days.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
One of those two justices focused on how it was underused, rendering it ineffectual for deterring others from committing crimes.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
Being made to look ineffectual—particularly at a moment when public opinion would reward him for toughness—could well goad Trump into taking action.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2026
Progressives, both those in the House and those running to join Schumer in the upper chamber, did not hesitate to lay blame at the feet of the New York senator, arguing his ineffectual leadership led eight Democrats to cut a deal with Republican leaders to reopen the government in the coming days.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineffectual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineffectual
Adjective
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Multiple attempts to reach the property owner were unsuccessful.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
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There is some hope within the organization that Blackburn can follow a path similar to the one that Luke Weaver took, as the ex-Yank transitioned from an unsuccessful starter to a high-leverage reliever while making relatively little money with the team.—
Gary Phillips,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Even with the spotlight, Méndez said the debate feels futile.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
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Even subtle futile cycles – processes in which molecules are repeatedly built and broken down – consume energy and generate heat.—
Claudio Villanueva,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Standard recycling is often inefficient, but the Edinburgh team, led by Professor Stephen Wallace, saw a goldmine of carbon hidden in that waste.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Mar. 2026
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Herro was inefficient on Saturday, though, finishing with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and 2-of-8 shooting on threes.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Five-day forecasts are virtually useless, as is our comfort level that the very worst of winter is behind us.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
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The screenplay also has a passing reference to Evy’s useless, off-screen boyfriend Darren (voiced by Ryan Turner).—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Arrests have proven to be ineffective at stopping drug use, instead heightening risk of overdose and death.—
Grey Gardner,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
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What began as a minor irritation turned into a yearlong medical odyssey marked by the lack of a diagnosis, ineffective treatments, and compounding side effects—all while costs escalated.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
That seems to be counterproductive.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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In July of last year Steyer sent out a tweet criticizing rent control for its deleterious and counterproductive effects.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ineffectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineffectual. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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