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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.

While effective, these methods require large amounts of energy and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.

From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026

The jab is not effective at preventing the transmission of bacteria between people.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

One of the most effective ways to prevent future financial mistakes is to set rules of thumb, she noted.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026

Embassy in Beijing has sought, with varying degrees of success, to free these Americans from their effective confinement within China’s borders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

As one private eye put it, he might be a “miserable snake,” but he was also “the silent, secret, and effective Avenger of the outraged Majesty of the Law when everything else fails.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann




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