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

Reverse-engineering existing technology yielded “the Toyota Corolla of drones”—cheap, easy to manufacture and devastatingly effective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell later posted a statement on X that said George "will be retiring from his position... effective immediately," without specifying a reason.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The product - which, you may be surprised to read, doesn't smell - has already been used to grow grass and crops, with field trials suggesting it can be as effective as synthetic fertiliser.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

But if the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz extends beyond the end of April, then Goldman Sachs analysts have forecast the price of Brent crude could rise to around $140 a barrel.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

These discoveries led to effective treatments and vaccines.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow