ineffectual

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.

The group has shown itself to be utterly ineffectual, unable to come up with a unified response to an international crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

In this tit for tat, though, California’s threats to respond have thus far proved ineffectual.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2025

They have been ineffectual in the establishment of any semblance of an organisation able to take over inside the country if the opportunity arises.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

But for the most part, they've just seemed ineffectual — until now.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2025

She made no ineffectual efforts to conduct her household en bonne ménagère, going and coming as it suited her fancy, and, so far as she was able, lending herself to any passing caprice.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin