effectual

[ ih-fek-choo-uhl ]

/ ɪˈfɛk tʃu əl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: effectual / effectuality / effectually / effectualness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

producing or capable of producing an intended effect; adequate.

valid or binding, as an agreement or document.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of effectual

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English effectuel (from Middle French ); late Middle English effectual, from Medieval Latin effectuālis, equivalent to Latin effectu-, stem of effectus effect + -ālis -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM effectual

ef·fec·tu·al·ly, adverbef·fec·tu·al·ness, ef·fec·tu·al·i·ty, nounpre·ef·fec·tu·al, adjectivepre·ef·fec·tu·al·ly, adverb

Words nearby effectual

effectiveness, effective resistance, effective sound pressure, effector, effects, effectual, effectually, effectuate, effeminacy, effeminate, effeminize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say effectual?

Something effectual produces or is capable of producing an intended effect. But effectual isn’t quite the same as efficacious, effective, or efficient! Find out why on Thesaurus.com.

How to use effectual in a sentence

And when at last it is perceived that such pity cannot lead to effectual succor, common sense bids the soul be rid of it.
David's Bookclub: Bartleby the Scrivener|David Frum|November 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The purpose of these larger windows is the effectual lighting of the Boardroom, which is of the height of two storeys.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
Each one of them is called by His authoritative command, as well as by the effectual influences of his Spirit.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham
Was it that circumstances no longer called for as stern and as effectual remedies as before?
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.

But in the day of effectual calling, a complete change is produced upon the moral tendencies of the soul.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham
The prayer, though short, was effectual; for both went back to their play with happy faces, and they had no more trouble that day.
The value of a praying mother|Isabel C. Byrum

British Dictionary definitions for effectual

effectual

/ (ɪˈfɛktjʊəl) /

adjective

capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective

(of documents, agreements, etc) having legal force

Derived forms of effectual

effectuality or effectualness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

effectual

Origin of effectual

OTHER WORDS FROM effectual

Words nearby effectual

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say effectual?

Words related to effectual

How to use effectual in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for effectual

Derived forms of effectual