Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for effective. Search instead for effective PPC.
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.

See Examples For:

Other witnesses testified over the past week that Meta knew the tools were not effective and even that they were "designed to fail."

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

While he blogged about students wasting time watching Netflix, he found something else to binge that would end up being far more important to his career: effective altruism.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

"So, if indigo light can suppress myopia in these tests, then it should also be quite effective in humans."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026

Arturo Bejar, the ex-Instagram engineer turned whistleblower, says the proof of the pudding will be in whether the new teen safety features are effective.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

The national network proved very effective, providing heavyweight support for the brave but legally powerless.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

Vocabulary lists containing effective

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Hatchet

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

STAAR English I: The Language of the Test 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training