ineffectual
ineffectual — 形容詞
- ineffectualpositive
- more ineffectualcomparative
- most ineffectualsuperlative
1. not able to achieve much or produce the result that is wanted, especially becaus
無效的
缺乏能力、力量或效果，無法達成想要的結果
not able to achieve much or produce the result that is wanted, especially because of weak skill, power, or effect.
The committee made an ineffectual attempt to calm the angry residents.
委員會試圖安撫憤怒的居民，但這個嘗試沒有什麼效果。
ineffectual + noun for an attempt that has little effect
Her apology sounded nervous and ineffectual, and the argument continued.
她的道歉聽起來緊張又無力，爭吵仍繼續下去。
describing weak effect in a difficult situation
The old lock proved ineffectual once the storm forced the door open.
暴風雨把門撞開後，那把舊鎖證明並不管用。
Several ineffectual leaders had promised reform before the school finally changed its rules.
在學校終於修改規則之前，已有好幾位不得力的領導者承諾過改革。
The guard waved his flashlight in an ineffectual effort to stop the crowd.
警衛揮著手電筒，徒勞地試圖阻止人群。
- ineffective
more common and neutral; focuses on not producing the intended result
- weak
broader; can describe limited power, authority, force, or character
- futile
emphasises that an effort is pointless because it cannot succeed
文法句型
ineffectual + noun
be + ineffectual
prove + ineffectual
用法筆記
Often used in fairly formal or critical contexts. It can describe a person, leader, plan, attempt, or tool that is too weak to bring about the intended result.
常見錯誤
Do not use 'ineffectual' to mean simply 'not busy' or 'not important'. It describes failure to achieve a result: 'an ineffectual policy', not 'an ineffectual afternoon'.