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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:

Andrew Steinwold, managing partner at investment firm Sfermion, believes Muse’s customizable avatar is an effective way to encourage adoption and help users connect with the product.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 3, 2026

Fairlie said vaccination remained the most effective way for farmers to protect their animals from the worst effects of bluetongue.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

"If we can understand those differences, we can begin to develop therapies that are more precise and more effective for patients."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 2, 2026

Bastian said at the time that Amazon’s Leo would be just as fast as Starlink and more cost effective.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

In the absence of effective treatment, his recovery was achingly slow—and soon followed by another depression.

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




Vocabulary lists containing effective


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