effective

1 of 2

adjective

ef·fec·tive i-ˈfek-tiv How to pronounce effective (audio)

e-,

ē-,

ə-

: producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect

an effective policy

: impressive, striking

a gold lamé fabric studded with effective … precious stones

Stanley Marcus

: being in effect : operative

the tax becomes effective next year

: actual

the need to increase effective demand for goods

: ready for service or action

effective manpower

of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period compare nominal sense 4

effectiveness noun

effectivity

ˌe-ˌfek-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce effective (audio)

ē-

ə-

noun

effective

2 of 2

noun

: one that is effective (see effective entry 1)

especially : a soldier equipped for duty

Did you know?

Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient

These three words cover some overlapping territory.

Efficient most often describes what is capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy. While the word can be applied to both people and things, it is far more commonly applied to things, such as machines, systems, processes, and organizations. The focus of the word is on how little is wasted or lost while the desired results are produced.

Effective typically describes things—such as policies, treatments, arguments, and techniques—that do what they are intended to do. People can also be described as effective when they accomplish what they set out to accomplish, but the word is far more often applied to things.

Proficient typically describes people, and it often is followed by the preposition at. If you are proficient at something, you are very good at it. You are, in fact, so good at doing it that you are unusually efficient when you do it. One can also be proficient in something, such as a language.

Example Sentences

Adjective These commercials were extremely effective as marketing tools, but we now know that chocolate swimming pools and candy-coating showers play no part in the manufacture of real M&M's. Instead, the ellipsoid chocolate centers of plain M&M's are formed by machines.

David Owen, Atlantic, October 1988 My feeling is that by waiting for the right moment to let rip, a film is infinitely more effective, especially with characters you have come to like.

Clive Barker, in Cinefantastique, September 1987 But Tammy's most effective remedy for stress, both then and now, was the same as Imelda Marcos's: shopping up a storm. "It's kind of a hobby to help my nerves," she explained …

Jean Seligman, Newsweek, 8 June 1987 It's a simple but effective technique. He gave an effective speech.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Atlanta’s pass rush was effective against New Orleans, recording four sacks and eight quarterback hits.

Adam Burkevsin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 The unit was particularly effective against the run, as the Spartans finished the game with just 54 rushing yards while averaging 1.9 yards per attempt.

Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 11 Sep. 2022 Those who are vaccinated are at low risk, health officials have said, as getting three doses of the polio vaccine administered in the U.S. is at least 99% effective at preventing paralytic disease.

Brianna Abbott, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Polio vaccines are 99% effective against paralytic polio, which can be fatal in 2% to 10% of cases.

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2022 Bivalent refers to how many variants the booster is effective against ― two, in this case.

Sarah Ladd, The Courier-Journal, 8 Sep. 2022 Will the new booster be more effective against the omicron variant?

Julie Washington, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Ho says that based on his research, only one monoclonal antibody -- bebtelovimab -- continues to be effective against the circulating variants.

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 7 Sep. 2022 The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the use of new COVID-19 booster shots adapted to be effective against both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron variant now accounting for most infections.

Harold Maass, The Week, 1 Sep. 2022

Noun

In May Bloomberg reported that Nonkululeko Nyembezi had been appointed as Chairman-designate effective.

Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Aug. 2022 The disarray resulted in Stephen Gange, Johns Hopkins University professor and executive vice provost for academic affairs, being named interim executive director of the program on Thursday effective immediately.

Sabrina Leboeuf, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2022 In a major coup for the Big Ten Conference, both the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC SC +2.7%) are jumping from the Pac 12 Conference to Big Ten effective with the 2024 season.

Derek Baine, Forbes, 1 July 2022 Laurent Morali, president of Kushner Cos., will take over as chief executive effective immediately, the firm said.

Peter Grant, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2021 California’s coronavirus dashboard showed an R-effective of 0.81 for San Francisco as of Wednesday.

Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 June 2021 AstraZeneca is working with the Serum Institute, as is Novavax, whose vaccine looks to be ninety-six-per-cent effective.

Sue Halpern, The New Yorker, 3 June 2021 One way is through applied topical insect repellent, the most (and arguably only) effective of which contain DEET.

Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 28 Apr. 2021 But even for a team loaded at the position, the effective of Oregon’s ground game, especially in the second half, in its first two games is outlandish.

oregonlive, 18 Nov. 2020 See More

Legal Definition

effective

adjective

ef·fec·tive

: producing a desired effect

an effective revocation of the contract

: capable of bringing about an effect

effective assistance of counsel

see also ineffective assistance of counsel

: being in effect

of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the rate is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period compare nominal

effective

adjective

as in efficient

producing or capable of producing a desired result an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

efficient
potent
productive
adequate
efficacious
effectual
operative
useful
practical
fruitful
capable
practiced
convincing
skilled
adept
proficient
expert
practicable
competent
skillful
feasible
experienced
accomplished
active
dynamic
valid
cogent
striking
hyperefficient
functional
telling
practised
veteran
workable
masterly
ultraefficient
realizable
sound
applicable
useable
usable
killer
working
versed
virtuoso
consummate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ineffective
inefficient
useless
ineffectual
unproductive
incapable
fruitless
inoperative
counterproductive
incompetent
unskilled
futile
inexperienced
unsuccessful
vain
unqualified
unfruitful
hollow
abortive
empty
pointless
idle
unprofitable
worthless
unskillful
inexpert
inoperative
unseasoned
unavailing
bootless

as in compelling

having the power to persuade made an effective argument in favor of the proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

compelling
convincing
conclusive
strong
persuasive
decisive
satisfying
valid
forceful
cogent
definitive
authoritative
important
telling
relevant
significant
sound
pertinent
material
well-founded
weighty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ineffective
inconclusive
unconvincing
indecisive
shaky
unsound
invalid
unfounded
unpersuasive
unimportant
insignificant
groundless
irrelevant
uncompelling
inconsequential
weak
immaterial
feeble

as in actual

existing in fact and not merely as a possibility made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output

Synonyms & Similar Words

actual
real
very
factual
true
genuine
proven
existent
concrete
final
valid
convincing
substantiated
realistic
de facto
positive
literal
substantial
objective
established
validated
believable
tangible
demonstrated
irrefutable
incontestable
authentic
indisputable
unquestionable
verifiable
authoritative
incontrovertible
inescapable
certain
absolute
undeniable
unmistakable
sure-enough
indubitable
authenticated
confirmed
attested
verified
bona fide
hard
real-world
certified
palpable
real-life
certifiable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

possible
potential
ideal
theoretical
nonexistent
theoretic
hypothetical
suppositional
platonic
supposed
alleged
assumed
conjectural
reputed
inexistent
illusory
envisioned
conceived
fanciful
envisaged
legendary
visualized
fictitious
symbolic
invented
fictional
romantic
imagined
abstract
chimerical
pictured
chimeric
imaginary
fake
fabled
virtual
unreal
pretend
fabricated
made-up
make-believe

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of effective are effectual, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect.

an effective rebuttal

The words effectual and effective can be used in similar contexts, but effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact.

the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual

The words efficacious and effective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power.

a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

While in some cases nearly identical to effective, efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning.

an efficient small car

单词	effective
释义	effective 1 of 2 adjective ef·fec·tive i-ˈfek-tiv e-, ē-, ə- 1 a : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect an effective policy b : impressive, striking a gold lamé fabric studded with effective … precious stones Stanley Marcus 2 : being in effect : operative the tax becomes effective next year 3 : actual the need to increase effective demand for goods 4 : ready for service or action effective manpower 5 of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period compare nominal sense 4 effectiveness noun effectivity ˌe-ˌfek-ˈti-və-tē i- ē- ə- noun effective 2 of 2 noun : one that is effective (see effective entry 1) especially : a soldier equipped for duty Did you know? Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient These three words cover some overlapping territory. Efficient most often describes what is capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy. While the word can be applied to both people and things, it is far more commonly applied to things, such as machines, systems, processes, and organizations. The focus of the word is on how little is wasted or lost while the desired results are produced. Effective typically describes things—such as policies, treatments, arguments, and techniques—that do what they are intended to do. People can also be described as effective when they accomplish what they set out to accomplish, but the word is far more often applied to things. Proficient typically describes people, and it often is followed by the preposition at. If you are proficient at something, you are very good at it. You are, in fact, so good at doing it that you are unusually efficient when you do it. One can also be proficient in something, such as a language. Synonyms Adjective effectual efficacious efficient fruitful operative potent productive See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Adjective These commercials were extremely effective as marketing tools, but we now know that chocolate swimming pools and candy-coating showers play no part in the manufacture of real M&M's. Instead, the ellipsoid chocolate centers of plain M&M's are formed by machines. David Owen, Atlantic, October 1988 My feeling is that by waiting for the right moment to let rip, a film is infinitely more effective, especially with characters you have come to like. Clive Barker, in Cinefantastique, September 1987 But Tammy's most effective remedy for stress, both then and now, was the same as Imelda Marcos's: shopping up a storm. "It's kind of a hobby to help my nerves," she explained … Jean Seligman, Newsweek, 8 June 1987 It's a simple but effective technique. He gave an effective speech. Recent Examples on the Web Adjective Atlanta’s pass rush was effective against New Orleans, recording four sacks and eight quarterback hits. Adam Burkevsin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 The unit was particularly effective against the run, as the Spartans finished the game with just 54 rushing yards while averaging 1.9 yards per attempt. Tom Green \| Tgreen@al.com, al, 11 Sep. 2022 Those who are vaccinated are at low risk, health officials have said, as getting three doses of the polio vaccine administered in the U.S. is at least 99% effective at preventing paralytic disease. Brianna Abbott, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Polio vaccines are 99% effective against paralytic polio, which can be fatal in 2% to 10% of cases. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2022 Bivalent refers to how many variants the booster is effective against ― two, in this case. Sarah Ladd, The Courier-Journal, 8 Sep. 2022 Will the new booster be more effective against the omicron variant? Julie Washington, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Ho says that based on his research, only one monoclonal antibody -- bebtelovimab -- continues to be effective against the circulating variants. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 7 Sep. 2022 The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the use of new COVID-19 booster shots adapted to be effective against both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron variant now accounting for most infections. Harold Maass, The Week, 1 Sep. 2022 Noun In May Bloomberg reported that Nonkululeko Nyembezi had been appointed as Chairman-designate effective. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 11 Aug. 2022 The disarray resulted in Stephen Gange, Johns Hopkins University professor and executive vice provost for academic affairs, being named interim executive director of the program on Thursday effective immediately. Sabrina Leboeuf, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2022 In a major coup for the Big Ten Conference, both the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC SC +2.7%) are jumping from the Pac 12 Conference to Big Ten effective with the 2024 season. Derek Baine, Forbes, 1 July 2022 Laurent Morali, president of Kushner Cos., will take over as chief executive effective immediately, the firm said. Peter Grant, WSJ, 19 Oct. 2021 California’s coronavirus dashboard showed an R-effective of 0.81 for San Francisco as of Wednesday. Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 June 2021 AstraZeneca is working with the Serum Institute, as is Novavax, whose vaccine looks to be ninety-six-per-cent effective. Sue Halpern, The New Yorker, 3 June 2021 One way is through applied topical insect repellent, the most (and arguably only) effective of which contain DEET. Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 28 Apr. 2021 But even for a team loaded at the position, the effective of Oregon’s ground game, especially in the second half, in its first two games is outlandish. oregonlive, 18 Nov. 2020 See More Word History Etymology Adjective Middle English effectif, borrowed from Late Latin effectīvus "producing a result, efficient," going back to Latin, "involving an end product," from effectus, past participle of efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" + -īvus -ive — more at effect entry 1 Noun derivative of effective entry 1 First Known Use Adjective 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Noun 1708, in the meaning defined above Phrases Containing effective cost-effective effective date cost-effective effective date Kids Definition effective adjective ef·fec·tive i-ˈfek-tiv 1 : producing or able to produce a desired effect an effective vaccine 2 : impressive an effective speech 3 : being in operation The rule is effective immediately. Medical Definition effective adjective ef·fec·tive i-ˈfek-tiv : producing a decided, decisive, claimed, or desired effect a drug judged effective by an evaluating panel Legal Definition effective adjective ef·fec·tive 1 : producing a desired effect an effective revocation of the contract 2 : capable of bringing about an effect effective assistance of counsel see also ineffective assistance of counsel 3 : being in effect 4 of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the rate is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period compare nominal effective adjective 1 as in efficient producing or capable of producing a desired result an effective treatment of the once-dreaded disease gave an effective speech that won over many undecided voters Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance efficient potent productive adequate efficacious effectual operative useful practical fruitful capable practiced convincing skilled adept proficient expert practicable competent skillful feasible experienced accomplished active dynamic valid cogent striking hyperefficient functional telling practised veteran workable masterly ultraefficient realizable sound applicable useable usable killer working versed virtuoso consummate Antonyms & Near Antonyms ineffective inefficient useless ineffectual unproductive incapable fruitless inoperative counterproductive incompetent unskilled futile inexperienced unsuccessful vain unqualified unfruitful hollow abortive empty pointless idle unprofitable worthless unskillful inexpert inoperative unseasoned unavailing bootless See More 2 as in compelling having the power to persuade made an effective argument in favor of the proposal Synonyms & Similar Words compelling convincing conclusive strong persuasive decisive satisfying valid forceful cogent definitive authoritative important telling relevant significant sound pertinent material well-founded weighty Antonyms & Near Antonyms ineffective inconclusive unconvincing indecisive shaky unsound invalid unfounded unpersuasive unimportant insignificant groundless irrelevant uncompelling inconsequential weak immaterial feeble See More 3 as in actual existing in fact and not merely as a possibility made the mistake of confusing the plant's production capacity with its effective output Synonyms & Similar Words actual real very factual true genuine proven existent concrete final valid convincing substantiated realistic de facto positive literal substantial objective established validated believable tangible demonstrated irrefutable incontestable authentic indisputable unquestionable verifiable authoritative incontrovertible inescapable certain absolute undeniable unmistakable sure-enough indubitable authenticated confirmed attested verified bona fide hard real-world certified palpable real-life certifiable Antonyms & Near Antonyms possible potential ideal theoretical nonexistent theoretic hypothetical suppositional platonic supposed alleged assumed conjectural reputed inexistent illusory envisioned conceived fanciful envisaged legendary visualized fictitious symbolic invented fictional romantic imagined abstract chimerical pictured chimeric imaginary fake fabled virtual unreal pretend fabricated made-up make-believe See More Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of effective are effectual, efficacious, and efficient. While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing a result," effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. an effective rebuttal The words effectual and effective can be used in similar contexts, but effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual The words efficacious and effective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease While in some cases nearly identical to effective, efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning. an efficient small car
随便看	instinctual instinctually institor institorial institute instituted instituter instituters institutes instituting institution institution of higher learning institutional institutional economics institutionalisation institutionalisations institutionalise institutionalised institutionalises institutionalising institutionalism institutionalisms institutionalist institutionalists Gomphotherium

effective

adjective

noun

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing effective

Kids Definition

adjective

Medical Definition

adjective

Legal Definition

adjective

adjective

Synonym Chooser