most effective

ADJECTIVE

productive, persuasive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active adequate compelling competent direct efficient forceful impressive potent powerful practical sufficient useful valid

STRONG

effectual efficacious

WEAK

able capable cogent convincing emphatic energetic forcible having lead in pencil live moving on the ball operative 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

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.

EMDR, his research found, was most effective in reducing symptoms long-term.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

If the broad objectives are shared, the debate can be about the most effective way to move.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

It has also remained unclear whether walking more can help people maintain weight loss over time and, if so, what step count may be most effective.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

Adhikari, who helped organise much of the movement on the ground, emerged from that battle with a reputation as one of the state's most effective political organisers.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

That seemed the most effective way to overthrow segregationist Jim Crow laws.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman