What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ineffective
Example
The medicine was ineffective in treating her illness. [ineffective: adjective]
Example
The company's marketing campaign was ineffective in attracting new customers. [ineffective: adjective]
ineffectual
Example
His efforts to fix the broken machine were ineffectual. [ineffectual: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech was ineffectual in convincing voters to support his campaign. [ineffectual: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ineffective is more commonly used than ineffectual in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ineffective and ineffectual?
Both words are formal in tone and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
