ineffectually
In vain attempts
In a way that fails to produce the intended effect.
Someone who argues ineffectually doesn't persuade anyone.
A door closed ineffectually doesn't keep out the draft.
The word emphasizes not just failure but a kind of feebleness in the attempt: She waved ineffectually at the smoke filling the room.
Without achieving the goal
- vainlyWithout achieving purpose
- uselesslyWithout achieving anything
- pointlesslyWithout meaningful result
- unavailinglyWithout producing desired effect
bootlessly · purposelessly · unprofitably · otiose · nugatory · to no avail · in vain · for nothing
Without vigor or power
- powerlesslyWithout ability to act
- impotentlyWithout strength or influence
- limplyWithout rigidity or tension
- listlesslyWithout energy or interest
languidly · faintly · half-heartedly · flaccidly · meekly · timidly · tamely · spineless
Lacking competence or grace
- clumsilyIn an uncoordinated manner
- awkwardlyIn a clumsy manner
- bunglinglyIn a clumsy manner
- fumblinglyIn an awkward manner
amateurishly · unskillfully · ham-fistedly · maladroitly · incapably · deficiently · poorly · badly
Blocked from progressing
- hamperedObstructed or restricted
- obstructedBlocked from proceeding
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
- hinderedSlowed or obstructed
impeded · counterproductively · unsuccessfully · abortively · foiled · baffled · checked · defeated
fruitlessly
Without achieving the goal
- vainlyWithout achieving purpose
- uselesslyWithout achieving anything
- pointlesslyWithout meaningful result
unavailingly · bootlessly · purposelessly · unprofitably · otiose · nugatory · to no avail · in vain · for nothing · abortively
feebly
Without vigor or power
- powerlesslyWithout ability to act
- impotentlyWithout strength or influence
- limplyWithout rigidity or tension
listlessly · languidly · faintly · half-heartedly · flaccidly · meekly · timidly · tamely · spineless · toothlessly
ineptly
Lacking competence or grace
- clumsilyIn an uncoordinated manner
- awkwardlyIn a clumsy manner
- bunglinglyIn a clumsy manner
fumblingly · amateurishly · unskillfully · ham-fistedly · maladroitly · incapably · deficiently · poorly · badly · insufficiently
stymied
Blocked from progressing
- hamperedObstructed or restricted
- obstructedBlocked from proceeding
- blockedPassage prevented or impeded
hindered · impeded · counterproductively · unsuccessfully · abortively · foiled · baffled · checked · defeated · frustrated
ineffectuallyeffectively
In a successful way
effectually · successfully · productively · fruitfully · decisively
ineffectuallycompetently
With adequate skill
capably · ably · skillfully · proficiently · adeptly