effectual
gb/ɪfɪkt͡ʃuəl/ us/ɪfɪkt͡ʃuəl/
C1
English
~ 8000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
producing the intended result
Able to bring about the result that you want; working well for its purpose.
Usage pattern:
[action/measure/remedy] is effectual in [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "effectual" with the more common word "effective". In most everyday situations, "effective" is preferred, and "effectual" can sound formal or old-fashioned. Use "effectual" mainly in formal writing or fixed phrases like "effectual measures" or "effectual remedy".
Synonyms
effective (The most common general word; slightly less formal and more frequent in everyday English than "effectual".)
|
efficacious (Very formal and often used about medicines, treatments, or methods, especially in technical or religious writing.)
Antonyms
ineffective (Shows that something fails to produce the desired result or has little or no effect.)
Collocations
effectual remedy
|effectual measures
|effectual solution
|effectual action
|effectual means
|effectual steps
Themes
general
|problem-solving
|work
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new policy proved effectual in reducing staff turnover.
- Frequent, honest communication is often the most effectual way to resolve conflicts.
- This medicine has been highly effectual in treating the disease in its early stages.
- Their appeal to the public was more effectual than they had expected.
- Better training may be more effectual than buying new equipment.
Learner examples
- The new plan was effectual and solved the problem.
- This drug is effectual against the virus.
- Her kind but firm words were effectual in calming the children.
- Stronger rules were effectual in stopping the noise at night.
- A simple email can sometimes be very effectual in getting help.
adjective
technical
C2
property
2
legally valid and operative
Used about a law, order, or document that is legally correct and working, so it can have its planned legal result.
Usage pattern:
an effectual [order/judgment/notice/relief]
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use this legal sense of "effectual" in everyday situations where "effective" or the general sense of "effectual" is meant. This sense is mostly limited to legal or formal business writing about documents, orders, and similar items.
Synonyms
valid (Common legal term indicating that a document or act has legal force; slightly broader and more frequent than "effectual" in legal writing.)
|
operative (Legal and formal; focuses on something currently in force and producing legal effects.)
Antonyms
void (A legal term meaning that something has no legal effect from the beginning or is treated as having no effect.)
Collocations
effectual judgment
|effectual decree
|effectual relief
|effectual service
|effectual notice
Themes
law
|business
|government
Examples
- The notice was not effectual because it was sent to the wrong address.
- Without the required signature, the contract is not effectual as against third parties.
- The court held that service of the summons was effectual despite the minor error in the address.
- Regulations will only become effectual once they are formally published in the official register.
Learner examples
- The judge said the order was not effectual, so it had no legal power.
- The company argued that the contract was not effectual because it was not signed.
- The lawyer checked if the notice was effectual under local law.
- The new rule is only effectual after it is written into the law.
Grammar
Dictionary form
effectual
IPA
GB/ɪfɪkt͡ʃuəl/
US/ɪfɪkt͡ʃuəl/
Syllables & stress
ef - fec - tu - al (4 syllables)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: effectual
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
effectually
adverb
effectuate
verb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.