effectual

American  

[ih-fek-choo-uhl] / ɪˈfɛk tʃu əl /

adjective

1. producing or capable of producing an intended effect; adequate.

2. valid or binding, as an agreement or document.

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effectual British  

/ ɪˈfɛktjʊəl /

adjective

1. capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective

2. (of documents, agreements, etc) having legal force

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Usage

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. 

Other Word Forms

• effectuality noun
• effectually adverb
• effectualness noun
• preeffectual adjective
• preeffectually adverb

Etymology

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 -al ¹

Example Sentences

The economy is now shifting from experiences to transformations — effectual outcomes that change individuals in a lasting way.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

“This case is constitutionally moot because the Court can no longer grant any effectual relief,” the companies argued in a filing with U.S.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

Butler’s fighting style is similar to the film’s: brawny, unshowy, effectual and explosive only when necessary.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023

As George Washington said in his first speech to Congress in 1790, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 16, 2022

But since my intention is to write something useful for anyone who understands it, it seemed more suitable for me to search after the effectual truth of the matter rather than its imagined one.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli