is ineffectual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is ineffectual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not producing the desired effect or result. Example: "Despite the team's efforts, the new strategy is ineffectual in improving sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The parliamentary opposition is ineffectual.

The Economist

Current diplomacy is ineffectual because it lacks imagination or flair.

The Guardian - Opinion

In such case an appeal to the contract clause of the constitution is ineffectual.

Cornell University

SOME figures in history are so clearly defined that reinvention is ineffectual, if not impossible.

The Economist

Republicans will be tempted to become even more unyielding, to show that Mr Obama is ineffectual.

Independent

This approach is ineffectual and not commensurate with the climate threat.

The Guardian

Worse, it is ineffectual, assuring continued fossil fuel addiction to the last drop and environmental catastrophe.

The Guardian

Many people feel that federal immigration policy is ineffectual and unenforced.

The New York Times

It's one thing to have a team-building event that is ineffectual.

The New York Times

Going on tirades about how the local law enforcement is ineffectual and corrupt, and bringing in the F.B.I.

The New Yorker

"The I.M.F. can say its piece, but is ineffectual when it comes to influencing the large economies".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is ineffectual", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is failing to achieve. For example, "The new policy is ineffectual in reducing crime rates" provides a clear and specific understanding of the policy's shortcomings.

Common error

While "is ineffectual" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "is unproductive", "is ineffective", or "proves fruitless" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is ineffectual" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as lacking the ability to produce a desired effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically sound and appears across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is ineffectual" serves as a descriptive term denoting a lack of effectiveness or desired impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific domains, it adopts a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives like "is ineffective" or ""proves fruitless"" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When employing "is ineffectual", ensure clarity regarding the subject's specific failure and consider the context to avoid overuse in informal settings. The phrase is valuable for precise and nuanced communication, particularly in professional and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is ineffective

Directly states the lack of effectiveness or impact.

proves fruitless

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcome after effort.

is unproductive

Highlights the lack of output or results.

turns out to be futile

Indicates that an action or attempt was pointless.

is to no avail

Suggests that efforts were unsuccessful despite being made.

is unavailing

Similar to 'to no avail' but slightly more formal.

is inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something to achieve the desired result.

doesn't deliver results

Focuses on the failure to produce expected outcomes.

is worthless

Emphasizes the lack of value or benefit.

is doomed to fail

Predicts inevitable failure, emphasizing a lack of potential for success.

FAQs

What does "is ineffectual" mean?

The phrase "is ineffectual" means not producing any or the desired effect; it is futile or powerless.

How can I use "is ineffectual" in a sentence?

You can use "is ineffectual" to describe something that fails to produce the desired outcome, such as, "The diplomatic effort "proves fruitless" despite repeated attempts."

What are some alternatives to "is ineffectual"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is ineffective", "is unproductive", or "is to no avail", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is ineffective" or "is ineffectual"?

Both "is ineffective" and "is ineffectual" are correct. "Is ineffective" is more common and direct, while "is ineffectual" can sound more formal or nuanced, suggesting a lack of forcefulness.