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Showing results for effective. Search instead for effektreiches.
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.

The strait's effective closure has pushed up the price of jet fuel and some airlines have responded by increasing ticket prices, while others have trimmed capacity in a bid to attract hesitant customers.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

One of the most surprising findings was how effective the method remained despite its simplicity.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Let’s not forget oral estradiol: Bioidentical estradiol tablets are considered both safe and effective for most women.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Over that academic year, he delivered six lectures that make an effective case for the generative power of limits on art.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Farmer strongly believed that quarantines were not an effective strategy for handling AIDS, but the Cuban approach had been far more humane.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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