different between inadequate vs ineffectual

English

Alternative forms

• inadæquate (archaic)

Etymology

in- +? adequate

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?æd?kw?t/
• Hyphenation: in?ad?e?quate

Adjective

inadequate (comparative more inadequate, superlative most inadequate)

1. Not adequate; not fit for the purpose

   Synonyms: insufficient, deficient; see also Thesaurus:inadequate

   • 2013 June 18, Simon Romero, "Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):

     In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate.

Translations

Noun

inadequate (plural inadequates)

1. An individual who is inadequate.
   • 2012, Norman T. Feather, The Psychological Impact of Unemployment

     Thus, at some critical level of unemployment, “the unemployed” becomes a negative reference group of inadequates, the hardcore unemployed […]

English

Alternative forms

• ineffectuall (obsolete)

Etymology

in- +? effectual

Adjective

ineffectual (comparative more ineffectual, superlative most ineffectual)

1. Unable or insufficient to produce effect.

   Synonyms: futile; see also Thesaurus:futile

   • 1865, Henry David Thoreau, Cape Cod, Chapter II. "Stage-coach Views", page 16.

     This coach was an exceedingly narrow one, but as there was a slight spherical excess over two on a seat, the driver waited till nine passengers had got in, without taking the measure of any of them, and then shut the door after two or three ineffectual slams, as if the fault were all in the hinges or the latch,—while we timed our inspirations and expirations so as to assist him.

2. Worthless.
3. Weak, indecisive; lacking forcefulness.

Antonyms

• effectual

Related terms

• ineffectualness
• ineffectuality
• ineffectually

Translations