effete
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mostly that has meant pretending to be a Real American by riding horses, going hunting or driving around in a pick-up to prove they aren’t some effete city slicker.
From Salon ● Nov. 23, 2025
Marie Antoinette would be executed in October of the same year; French fashion influence was a sign of an effete aristocracy that was potentially losing its grip.
From Slate ● Jul. 21, 2025
“I’ll go after him for being ‘this effete knower of arcane knowledge, who knows little tidbits that no one would care about.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2023
Funny, frail, effete, Bettany’s Warhol is as meticulously impersonal as his art, and my goodness he whines.
From New York Times ● Dec. 20, 2022
Traditionally, effete has meant “barren,” “used up,” or “worn out.”
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Vocabulary lists containing effete
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Consider the Lobster
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Stories of Ourselves
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a word