effectual

adjective

ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce effectual (audio)
-chü(-ə)l;
-ˈfeksh-wəl
: producing or able to produce a desired effect
effectuality noun
effectualness
i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l-nəs How to pronounce effectual (audio)
-chü(-ə)l-;
-ˈfeksh-wəl-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for effectual

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result.

effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Examples of effectual in a Sentence

after trying many remedies for the condition, he finally found an effectual one that actually helped
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since 2014, that party has been disbanded, its remnants swept into the much smaller and less effectual Opposition Bloc. Konstantin Skorkin, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2019 Exceptions, such as the Iranian sanctions preceding the negotiation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are typically multinational, economically effectual, and explicit in stating the criteria and circumstances under which policy change would yield sanctions removal. Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2017 Will prospective politicos and those holding positions of power prompt effectual projects to maintain upkeep and ensure each and every citizen is safe rather than pushing self-serving, divisive social agendas? Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2024 Others argue even if wilderness therapy is effectual for some, its premise is flawed. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 No doubt as long as man and all other animals are viewed as independent creations, an effectual stop is put to our natural desire to investigate as far as possible the causes of expression. Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2012 The road to a systemic overhaul has been rocky ; the process itself has been marked by internal fighting and a reluctance among some members to embrace effectual change. Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2022 For more than 150 years, HBCUs have played a vital role in ensuring that African Americans and students of all races can receive a competitive education and become influential leaders and effectual changemakers. Glamour, 26 May 2022 The comedy of Dugan’s writing and delivery aren’t all that effectual. Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English effectuel, effectual "efficacious, effective, legally binding," borrowed from Anglo-French effectuel, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuālis, from Latin effectu-, stem of effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effectual was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near effectual

Cite this Entry

“Effectual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effectual. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

effectual

adjective
ef·​fec·​tu·​al i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l How to pronounce effectual (audio)
-ˈfeksh-wəl
: producing or able to produce the desired result
an effectual remedy
effectually
adverb
effectualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on effectual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!