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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.

A vital component of Renee Slegers' increasingly effective Arsenal machine, Blackstenius does her job without fuss, but usually with maximum impact.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

In a note, he said that while the “sell in May” strategy works somewhat better with European stocks, it’s proven less effective than simple buy-and-hold strategies in the U.S. since 1973, according to his backtesting.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

For decades, doctors have had two effective, yet imperfect, options to offer people who were losing their hair.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

While these cases consume a lot of resources and are not nearly as encompassing as preclearance was, they have been effective.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

We need an effective system of crime prevention and control in our communities, but that is not what the current system is.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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