Meanings
comparative more effectual · superlative most effectual · alternative effectuall
- Producing the intended result; entirely adequate.
In the living state, the body is observed to […] adopt most effectual measures for the permanent continuance of its species.
1822, John Barclay, chapter I, in An Inquiry Into the Opinions, Ancient and Modern, Concerning Life and Organization, Edinburgh; London: Bell & Bradfute; Waugh & Innes; G. & W. B. Whittaker, section I, page 11 more example
Redoubling, then, the active energy of his thrusts, favoured by the fervid appetite of my motions, the soft oiled wards can no longer stand so effectual a picklock, but yield, and open him an entrance.
Fanny Hill
1749, [John Cleland], “(Please specify the letter or volume)”, in Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [Fanny Hill], London: […] [Thomas Parker] for G. Fenton [i.e., Fenton and Ralph Griffiths] […], →OCLC
Synonyms & antonyms
adjectiveproducing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.
Origin
- Late Latineffectualis
- Old Frencheffectuel
- Middle Englisheffectual
- Englisheffectual
From Middle English effectual, effectuel, from Old French effectuel, from Late Latin effectualis.
More words from Middle English, Old French, Late Latin
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
effectual. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/effectual
“effectual.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/effectual. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “effectual,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/effectual.
Source: effectual on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.