effectively

adverb

ef·​fec·​tive·​ly i-ˈfek-tiv-lē 

e-, 

ē-, 

ə-

1

: in an effective manner

dealt with the problem effectively

2

: in effect : virtually

by withholding further funds they effectively killed the project

Examples of effectively in a Sentence

Try to communicate your ideas more effectively.

Recent Examples on the Web

The waterway has been effectively closed by Iran since the US and Israel began the war in February. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

In this series, Kristen Finch shares practical research skills to help students and educators search more effectively, evaluate sources, and build confidence using JSTOR. — JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2026

Arnold’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, argued that requiring the monitor would effectively prevent his client from playing in the NFL. — Tobias Bass, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 effectively criminalized what until then had been legal cannabis. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for effectively

• ineffectively
• retrospectively
• affectively
• collectively
• defectively
• objectively
• prospectively
• protectively
• reflectively
• respectively
• selectively
• subjectively