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

“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

“And so this poison was allowed to enter the national bloodstream and infect public life without the Government taking any effectual measures to master the course of the disease.”

From Salon

The lifting of the bans is in many ways more symbolic than effectual.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times