without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to无能的；软弱的；达不到目的的- He plays the role of a blustering and ineffectual teacher.他扮演着鼓舞人心且无能为力的老师的角色。
- an ineffectual attempt to reform the law改革法律的徒劳无益的尝试
Extra Examples- If only the head of department weren't so ineffectual.如果只是部门主管不是那么无效的话。
- My experience on the committees has shown me how slow and ineffectual they are.我在委员会中的经验向我展示了它们的缓慢和无效。
- She made an ineffectual grab at the book.她去抓那本书，但没抓到。
- The president is seen as weak and ineffectual.总统被视为软弱无能。
Topics Change, cause and effectc2, Difficulty and failurec2Word Originlate Middle English: from medieval Latin ineffectualis, from in- ‘not’ + effectualis, from Latin effectus (from efficere ‘accomplish’, from ex- ‘out, thoroughly’ + facere ‘do, make’); in later use from in- ‘not’ + effectual.