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Definitions

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.

She said while the company has taken some action, for these "to be truly effective, they need to do more".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

But controlling an animal’s food supply is an effective way of winning over its trust.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The company said in a news release that Cook will be exiting his position as chief executive officer of the tech giant effective Sept. 1.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Beginning around 2028, vessels that exceed emissions-intensity limits will pay an effective carbon tax of $100 a metric ton of excess emissions for smaller violations or $380 a metric ton for bigger ones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

I mounted to my chamber; locked myself in; fell on my knees; and prayed in my way—a different way to St. John’s, but effective in its own fashion.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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