effete
UK: ɪˈfiːt | US: ɪˈfiːt
adj. 1. (of a person or animal) no longer capable of effective action; weak or exhausted.
adj. 2. (of ideas, institutions, etc.) overly refined, decadent, or lacking vigor; sterile.
effete = ef<out> + fete<worn out>
- ef (variant of "ex-," meaning "out," from Latin ex)
- fete (from Latin fetus, originally "offspring," later "worn out" or "exhausted" in Late Latin)
Etymology Origin:
The word effete traces back to Latin effetus, combining ex- ("out") and fetus ("offspring"). Originally, it described animals exhausted from bearing young. Over time, it broadened to mean general exhaustion or sterility, later acquiring connotations of decadence or over-refinement in intellectual or social contexts. The shift reflects a metaphorical extension from biological depletion to cultural or moral decline.
The once-powerful empire grew effete, its leaders preoccupied with luxury rather than governance.
Critics dismissed the artist’s later work as effete and uninspired.
After years of stress, he felt effete and unable to face new challenges.
The debate was dominated by effete arguments that ignored practical realities.
Her effete demeanor contrasted sharply with the energetic atmosphere of the startup.