e
ffete
Comparative
more effete
Superlative
most effete
1
lacking strength or effectiveness
- The empire had grown effete, unable to defend its borders.
- His leadership was effete, marked by indecision and passivity.
- The once-powerful movement became effete, losing its momentum.
- The committee's effete response failed to address the crisis.
- The party was seen as effete, out of touch with voters.
2
excessively delicate, often associated with pretentiousness
- His effete manners irritated the rugged crew.
- The novel's style was so effete it alienated most readers.
- The decor was effete, all velvet and gold leaf.
- He spoke in an effete tone, full of lofty abstractions.
- The film was criticized for its effete aesthetic and lack of substance.