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.

The startup’s goal is to make manufacturing cost effective in the Western part of the globe, reducing reliance on China as geopolitical and national security concerns rise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Among the most effective measures, according to researchers, is helping girls attend and stay in school.

From The Wall Street Journal

The results suggest that boosting this natural cleanup pathway could form the basis of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, which affect millions of Americans and still lack effective treatments.

From Science Daily

These increases show the market's response to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway accounting for some 20 percent of global crude supplies.

From Barron's

The U.S. can issue temporary waivers during emergencies, which increases effective supply and lowers costs at the margin.

From Barron's

effective

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words