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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.

See Examples For:

Karnofsky would go on to marry Amodei’s sister, Daniela, now president of Anthropic, in a ceremony with a wedding website that stated, “We are both excited about effective altruism.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 27, 2026

"As a marketing exercise, it’s an effective way to build early word-of-mouth," said veteran industry watcher David A. Gross.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

Alongside their own studies, they plan to participate in projects that use artificial intelligence to develop more effective treatments for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

And those who work inside government also credit a more effective political operation around the prime minister.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Another especially effective strategy was disruption of the Indigenous trade networks, which caused food shortages and starvation.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz




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