Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for effective. Search instead for effektivster.
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:

On numerous occasions last season, Guardiola made clear he felt the Frenchman would be more effective staying between the lines, close to Erling Haaland.

From BBC Sep. 13, 2026

And singing along with them can be one of the more effective natural and entirely free antidepressants around.

From Salon Sep. 13, 2026

“She’s uniquely effective at cutting through and communicating clearly, ‘Here’s what the issues are and here’s where the opportunities are,’” said Todd Howard, head of the Microsoft game studio that makes “Fallout” and “Elder Scrolls.”

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 12, 2026

Could others make this model work, or does something about Aritzia’s “Everyday Luxury” positioning make it uniquely effective?

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 11, 2026

The procedure wasn't effective because the rectum and large intestine absorbed few nutrients from the mixture, not enough to sustain a man.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow




Vocabulary lists containing effective


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training