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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.

See Examples For:

When a bite occurs, fragile health systems, long travel distances to regional facilities and the high cost or total absence of effective antivenom mean a treatable medical emergency can quickly become fatal.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026

Plaid ministers say it would allow for a more effective system tailored to Welsh communities and better integrated with health, housing and education.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

Last season, the flu shot was 31% effective at preventing flu-related hospitalizations across all ages, according to early estimates from the CDC.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

It called for more effective cooperation on countering money laundering and terrorist financing, and for officials to send more requests to identify and seek the seizure of criminal assets abroad.

From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026

Cecilia asked innocently, her face twisted into an indignant expression that was too fake to be effective.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall


Vocabulary lists containing effective

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