different between ineffectual vs inept

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

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French inepte, from Latin ineptus, from in- + aptus (whence English apt).

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?n??pt/

  Rhymes: -?pt

Adjective

inept (comparative more inept, superlative most inept)

1. Not able to do something; not proficient; displaying incompetence.
2. Unfit; unsuitable.

Antonyms

• adept
• skillful

Derived terms

• ept
• ineptitude

Related terms

• apt
• aptitude

Translations

Anagrams

• nepit

Romanian

Etymology

From French inepte, from Latin ineptus.

Adjective

inept m or n (feminine singular inept?, masculine plural inep?i, feminine and neuter plural inepte)

1. inept

Declension