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Definitions

effective

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




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.

A mix of new weapons could also prove more effective, he added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

Succeeding him, effective immediately, is Takis Georgakopoulos, who has been with the company since late 2024 and most recently served as a co-president focused on technology and merchant solutions.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026

It’s just that it needs more direct attention from the media, and then I think the activist community that works on these issues hasn’t been very effective.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

In healthy soils, these fungal networks can expand the effective foraging area of plant roots by up to 100 times and provide > 80 percent of a plant's phosphorous needs.

From Science Daily • Jun. 15, 2026

As more effective procedures were developed, surgery and wound treatment became safer.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow




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