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 Stewart has emerged as one of the NBA's more effective offensive rebounders on a per-minute basis, and is ninth on the roster in minutes. — Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, "Despite Pistons' 2-9 start, Troy Weaver will stay aggressive: 'My clip will be empty'," 15 Jan. 2021 Primary challengers would be a more effective protest after Electoral College vote. — Robert Gehrke, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Robert Gehrke: Companies withholding cash from Utah’s Chris Stewart is a start, but we’ll see if it matters," 15 Jan. 2021 Whitening gels are stronger and more effective at whitening teeth than strips and achieve optimal results in around 10 to 20 days. — Hanna Horvath, NBC News, "The best at-home teeth whitening products, according to dentists," 14 Jan. 2021 The Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which can be refrigerated and are more effective than their Chinese counterparts, could provide an alternative. — New York Times, "Disappointing Chinese Vaccine Results Pose Setback for Developing World," 13 Jan. 2021 Turnovers were also lacking compared to 2019, so becoming more effective ball hawks will be a priority. — oregonlive, "Who replaces Deommodore Lenoir, Nick Pickett in Oregon Ducks secondary?," 13 Jan. 2021 The Tahoe, Erskine said, will be a more effective vehicle that the current pickup truck being used as a chief’s vehicle. — Brian Lisik, cleveland, "Brunswick Division of Fire adding to its vehicle fleet in 2021," 12 Jan. 2021 The shift to computer animation in the 2010s was more effective for Disney. — Josh Spiegel, Vulture, "A Crash Course in the History of Disney Animation Through Disney+," 11 Jan. 2021 Now, there are a wider, more effective variety of options for diagnostic testing. — Tara Santora, Popular Science, "The state of COVID-19 testing in the US," 8 Jan. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun But even for a team loaded at the position, the effective of Oregon’s ground game, especially in the second half, in its first two games is outlandish. — oregonlive, "How are No. 11 Oregon Ducks gaining over 9 yards per carry in the second half? Depth, balance, strength," 18 Nov. 2020 The agency had already announced that a vaccine would have to prove at least 50-percent effective at preventing COVID-19 to earn full approval. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Trump may reject FDA’s stricter regulations for COVID-19 vaccine," 24 Sep. 2020 In this scenario, infections will decline even if face masks are only 50-percent effective. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Face masks don’t even have to work especially well to be effective," 12 June 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

22 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Effective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effective. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

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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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