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Showing results for effective. Search instead for effektiviserat.
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.

The company announced Monday that Maxson, the former finance chief at French energy company Schneider Electric, would take over as its finance lead effective immediately.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The results showed that the most effective designs were not the tallest or most complex ones.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

Stephanie Hunter McMahon, a tax-law professor at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, isn’t convinced that a tax strike is an effective form of protest.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Some privacy and policing experts said the technology could be vulnerable to cyberattacks, lead to abuses of force, or divert resources from more effective safety measures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Even if they had, there was no effective treatment on offer.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield