/ ˌɪnɪˈfektʃuəl; NAmE / adjective
( formal ) without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to :
an ineffectual teacher
an ineffectual attempt to reform the law
► in·ef·fec·tu·al·ly / -tʃuəli; NAmE / adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from medieval Latin ineffectualis , from in- not + effectualis , from Latin effectus (from efficere accomplish, from ex- out, thoroughly + facere do, make); in later use from in- not + effectual .