effectual

adjective ef·fec·tu·al \i-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l, -chü(-ə)l; -ˈfeksh-wəl\

: producing a desired result or effect

Full Definition of EFFECTUAL

: producing or able to produce a desired effect

— ef·fec·tu·al·i·ty \-ˌfek-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē, -chü-ˈa-\ noun

— ef·fec·tu·al·ness \-ˈfek-chə(-wə)l-nəs, -chü(-ə)l-; -ˈfeksh-wəl-\ noun

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First Known Use of EFFECTUAL

14th century

Related to EFFECTUAL

Synonyms: effective, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent, productive

Antonyms: fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless

Synonym Discussion of EFFECTUAL

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect <an effective rebuttal>. effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact <the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual>. efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning <an efficient small car>. efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power <a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease>.

EFFECTUAL Defined for Kids