not producing any or the desired effect 不起作用的;无效的 an ineffectual campaign. 一场无效的战役。 ■(of a person) lacking the ability or qualities to cope with a role or situation (人)不能胜任的;无能的 she was neglectful and ineffectual as a parent. 作为家长她是疏忽而且不能胜任的。
late Middle English: from medieval Latin ineffectualis, from in- 'not' + effectualis, from Latin effectus (see effect); in later use from in- 'not' + effectual