Definitions

effective

[ih-fek-tiv, ee-fek‐] / ɪˈfɛk tɪv, iˈfɛk‐ /

ADJECTIVE

successful, persuasive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active adequate compelling competent direct efficient forceful impressive potent powerful practical successful useful valid

STRONG

effectual efficacious

WEAK

able big-wheel capable cogent convincing emphatic energetic forcible having lead in pencil live moving on the ball operative persuasive playing hardball powerhouse producing resultant serviceable serving sound striking telling trenchant virtuous wicked yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

helpless impotent inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient insufficient unable useless weak worthless

STRONG

unproductive unsuccessful

WEAK

fruitless inoperative

ADJECTIVE

in use at the time

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active direct dynamic

WEAK

actual current in effect in execution in force in operation operative real

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inactive

WEAK

fruitless impotent incapable ineffective inoperative unproductive useless weak

Usage

What are other ways to say effective? The adjective effective is applied to a person or a thing that has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective boss, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Producing it directly from exhaust gases could make carbon reuse more practical and cost effective.

From Science Daily

While advocates like Sobel support such regulations, they also warn that to be effective, they need buy-in from members of law enforcement.

From Salon

Darren Morgan, head teacher of Manchester's Kings Road Primary, said he understands why some families make the most of cheaper holidays during term time and does not find fines effective if they are struggling financially.

From BBC

Also, Sycamore said intervention is most effective when the market isn’t prepared for it.

From The Wall Street Journal

It maintained the prevailing rate of appreciation of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate policy band, aiming to underpin medium-term price stability.

From The Wall Street Journal

effective

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words