different between useless vs ineffectual

English

Etymology

From use +? -less.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ju?s.l?s/

Adjective

useless (comparative more useless or uselesser, superlative most useless or uselessest)

1. Without use or possibility to be used.

2. Unhelpful, not useful; pointless (of an action).

3. (derogatory, of a person) Good-for-nothing; not dependable.

4. (colloquial, of a person) Unable to do well at a particular task or thing. Useless is mildly insulting.

Synonyms

• (good-for-nothing): good-for-nothing
• (unable to do well): unskillful

Antonyms

• skillful, useful

Derived terms

• uselessly
• uselessness

Translations

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