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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.

Had it heeded a more malevolent sensibility than an instinct to overexplain, it might have been more ruthlessly effective at yucking our yum for road trips.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Now in his fourth season, it’s clear that St. Louis’s tactics are just as effective.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Genetic risk can be detected, but there’s no effective treatment or cure.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The study’s results are the latest signal that retatrutide may be the most effective weight-loss medication in development.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

But it took thousands of years to build such huge and effective political structures.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari




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