ineffectual

/ˌˈɪnəˌfɛktʃ(əw)əl/

If you are a coach with a losing team that doesn't listen to you, don't be surprised if you are called ineffectual. It means too weak to produce the desired effect.

Ineffectual is similar to ineffective, but while ineffective implies that something simply doesn't work, ineffectual carries with it the idea of weakness too. An old computer might be ineffective for creating state-of-the-art digital presentations; a boss who looks the other way while her employees slack off all day, on the other hand, is ineffectual.

Definitions of ineffectual

1. adjective

   not producing an intended effect
   synonyms: ineffective, uneffective

   idle

   not in action or at work

   toothless

   lacking necessary force for effectiveness

   unproductive

   not producing desired results

   inefficacious

   lacking the power to produce a desired effect

   inefficient

   not producing desired results; wasteful

   powerless

   lacking power

   useless

   having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
2. adjective

   producing no result or effect
   “the therapy was ineffectual”

   synonyms: futile, otiose, unavailing

   useless

   having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
3. adjective

   lacking in power or forcefulness
   “an ineffectual ruler”

   synonyms: ineffective, unable

   impotent

   lacking power or ability