effective

[ih-fek-tiv, ee-fek‐] / ɪˈfɛk tɪv, iˈfɛk‐ /

ADJECTIVE

successful, persuasive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active adequate compelling competent direct efficient forceful impressive potent powerful practical successful useful valid

STRONG

effectual efficacious

WEAK

able big-wheel capable cogent convincing emphatic energetic forcible having lead in pencil live moving on the ball operative persuasive playing hardball powerhouse producing resultant serviceable serving sound striking telling trenchant virtuous wicked yielding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

helpless impotent inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient insufficient unable useless weak worthless

STRONG

unproductive unsuccessful

WEAK

fruitless inoperative

ADJECTIVE

in use at the time

Synonyms

STRONGEST

active direct dynamic

WEAK

actual current in effect in execution in force in operation operative real

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inactive

WEAK

fruitless impotent incapable ineffective inoperative unproductive useless weak

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.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute is considered one of Norway’s most effective soft-power tools to leverage international events and foster relationships, but is not an official part of Norway’s government.

From Salon

"I'm beyond happy that men like me now have fair access to the most effective treatment, that so many lives will now be saved, and that so many families will be spared heartbreak."

From BBC

AI so far has been effective at handling highly repeatable tasks, or helping a junior person be more effective because they have an agent at their side.

From The Wall Street Journal

"But to have an effective relationship, we have direct conversations. We don't grab a megaphone and have the conversations that way."

From BBC

Oddly enough, the most effective sequences in “Beast of War” are on land—an Australian boot camp where, in 1942, soldiers are training, and characters are being developed.

From The Wall Street Journal

effective

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words