effective

adjective

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ef·fec·tive | \ i-ˈfek-tiv

, e-, ē-, ə- \

Definition of effective

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect an effective policy

b : impressive, striking a gold lamé fabric studded with effective … precious stones— Stanley Marcus

2 : being in effect : operative the tax becomes effective next year

3 : actual the need to increase effective demand for goods

4 : ready for service or action effective manpower

5 of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period — compare nominal sense 4

effective

noun

Definition of effective (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that is effective (see effective entry 1) especially : a soldier equipped for duty

Other Words from effective Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient More Example Sentences Learn More about effective

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Choose the Right Synonym for effective

Adjective

effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect. an effective rebuttal effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact. the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning. an efficient small car efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power. a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease

Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient

Adjective

These three words cover some overlapping territory.

Efficient most often describes what is capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy. While the word can be applied to both people and things, it is far more commonly applied to things, such as machines, systems, processes, and organizations. The focus of the word is on how little is wasted or lost while the desired results are produced.

Effective typically describes things—such as policies, treatments, arguments, and techniques—that do what they are intended to do. People can also be described as effective when they accomplish what they set out to accomplish, but the word is far more often applied to things.

Proficient typically describes people, and it often is followed by the preposition at. If you are proficient at something, you are very good at it. You are, in fact, so good at doing it that you are unusually efficient when you do it. One can also be proficient in something, such as a language.

Examples of effective in a Sentence

Adjective These commercials were extremely effective as marketing tools, but we now know that chocolate swimming pools and candy-coating showers play no part in the manufacture of real M&M's. Instead, the ellipsoid chocolate centers of plain M&M's are formed by machines. — David Owen, Atlantic, October 1988 My feeling is that by waiting for the right moment to let rip, a film is infinitely more effective, especially with characters you have come to like. — Clive Barker, in Cinefantastique, September 1987 But Tammy's most effective remedy for stress, both then and now, was the same as Imelda Marcos's: shopping up a storm. "It's kind of a hobby to help my nerves," she explained … — Jean Seligman, Newsweek, 8 June 1987 It's a simple but effective technique. He gave an effective speech.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The Cardinals will look to continue their hot long-range shooting from Wednesday night’s second-half rally against Wake Forest, which could serve them well against the Cavaliers’ defense that is still effective. — Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, "Starting Five: Big East, Big Ten showdowns highlight college basketball weekend," 7 Feb. 2020 To be effective, Democrats would have to have tough conversations that would send O’Rourke to urban and suburban areas with more progressive voters and keep him out of areas — particularly rural ones — where voters tend to be more conservative. — James Barragán, Dallas News, "After Democrats’ big loss in Texas House race, is Beto O’Rourke a campaign liability or an asset for his party?," 7 Feb. 2020 Howard will be sworn in Friday morning and her promotion is effective Sunday, DeSiato said. — Alison Dirr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Unfair to the taxpayers': Barrett criticizes MPD promotion of formerly retired captain who will now collect at least $190,000 a year," 7 Feb. 2020 The statistical analysis takes into account whether this efficacy changed based on dose, a sign that a drug is effective. — Matthew Herper, STAT, "Sanofi reports positive results on multiple sclerosis drug licensed from Principia," 6 Feb. 2020 In general, confining people who have or could be suspected to have a disease like coronavirus to one place is effective to prevent it from being transmitted to others, Hodge said. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, "What it means to be under a federal quarantine," 4 Feb. 2020 The secret-shopper racket is so prevalent, and so effective, that a on the danger is now followed by of consumer comments — hundreds of victims and would-be victims — detailing their own experiences. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: How the secret-shopper scam almost took down Superman’s pal," 28 Jan. 2020 Custom loops are typically the most effective, but also the most expensive and difficult to build with. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "IceGiant says its giant cooler can even tame AMD's giant Threadripper," 27 Jan. 2020 The outcome of the audit remains to be seen — the Microsoft case grinds on — but the blowback was effective. — Paul Kiel, ProPublica, "The IRS Decided to Get Tough Against Microsoft. Microsoft Got Tougher.," 22 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effective.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effective. Accessed 21 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for effective

effective

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of effective

: producing a result that is wanted : having an intended effect

of a law, rule, etc. : in use

: starting at a particular time

See the full definition for effective in the English Language Learners Dictionary

effective

adjective

ef·fec·tive | \ i-ˈfek-tiv

Kids Definition of effective

1 : producing or able to produce a desired effect effective medicines

2 : impressive an effective speech

3 : being in operation The rule is effective immediately.

effective

adjective

ef·fec·tive | \ i-ˈfek-tiv

Medical Definition of effective

: producing a decided, decisive, claimed, or desired effect a drug judged effective by an evaluating panel

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effective

adjective

ef·fec·tive

Legal Definition of effective

1 : producing a desired effect an effective revocation of the contract

2 : capable of bringing about an effect effective assistance of counsel — see also ineffective assistance of counsel

3 : being in effect

4 of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the rate is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period — compare nominal

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