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Definitions

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.

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"These findings give us a clearer understanding of why some patients experience muscle symptoms and provide promising directions for making these important medications safer and more effective in the future," added Schertzer.

From Science Daily Aug. 1, 2026

Burnham, a former mayor of Greater Manchester and now prime minister, makes no secret that he thinks this is an effective way to run local government.

From BBC Jul. 31, 2026

These credentials are meant to help workers prove they have skills like devising effective prompts or using AI for business strategy.

From MarketWatch Jul. 31, 2026

He launched his hedge-fund firm shortly after with Carl Shulman, another AI intellectual steeped in the world of effective altruism.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 31, 2026

This kind, human manner—perhaps he had simply found it more effective than brutality in tricking the truth from affection-starved people.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom




Vocabulary lists containing effective


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