In`ef*fec"tu*al (?; 135), a. Not producing the proper effect; without effect; inefficient; weak; useless; futile; unavailing; as, an ineffectual attempt; an ineffectual expedient. Pope.
The peony root has been much commended, . . . and yet has been by many found ineffectual.
Syn. -- Inefficient; useless; inefficacious; vain; fruitless; unavailing; futile. See Useless, Inefficacious.