Definition of effective
1a : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect an effective policyb : impressive, striking a gold lamé fabric studded with effective … precious stones — Stanley Marcus
2 : ready for service or action effective manpower
3 : actual the need to increase effective demand for goods
4 : being in effect : operative the tax becomes effective next year
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 4
effectiveness
nounExplore M-W
Examples of effective in a Sentence
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 of effective from the Web
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Howard County Public School System Interim Superintendent Michael Martirano on Tuesday announced appointments to new administrative positions, effective Aug. 3.
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If approved during separate shareholder votes, the deal is expected to become effective next week.
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Because of advances in fuel, materials and electronics, the new rockets, while smaller than some of the Space Age beasts, may be more efficient and cost-effective.
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Large Stainless Steel #Lemon Squeezer Lemon Juicer Press for Orange Lime and Lemons Citrus 2.4’’ inner diameter, 0.88lbs Designed for effective extraction, this#hand-heldlemonsqueezer won't waste an ounce of juice.
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No one will mistake Priebus for, say, James Baker, Ronald Reagan’s supremely effective chief of staff.
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Effective August 1, 2017, House Bill 483 could prove monumental, potentially pulling back the curtain on cancer clusters across the state.
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Indiana ranked 50th or worse in three out of five of the main categories (37th in the quality category and 33rd in effective transitions).
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Look for a formula that contains l-ascorbic acid, one of the most effective forms of vitamin C. We like Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booster ($49; paulaschoice.com).
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.
Comparing efficient, effective, and proficient
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.
Origin and Etymology of effective
see 1effect
Synonym Discussion of effective
Definition of effective
: one that is effective (see 1effective); especially : a soldier equipped for duty
Origin and Etymology of effective
see 1effect
EFFECTIVE Defined for English Language Learners
effective
playDefinition of effective for English Language Learners
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: producing a result that is wanted : having an intended effect
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of a law, rule, etc. : in use
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: starting at a particular time
EFFECTIVE Defined for Kids
effective
playDefinition of effective for Students
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.
effectively
adverbeffectiveness
nounWord Root of effective
The Latin word facere, meaning “to make” or “to do,” and its form factus give us the roots fic, fact, and fect. Words from the Latin facere have something to do with making or doing something. To manufacture is to make goods. This is often done in a factory. Something difficult is hard to do. Anything effective does what it is meant to do.
Medical Dictionary
Law Dictionary
effective
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
effectiveness
nounLearn More about effective
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See words that rhyme with effective Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for effective Spanish Central: Translation of effective Nglish: Translation of effective for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of effective for Arabic speakers
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