effective

adjective

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 brochure cited 2009 guidance from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners that says weak opioids are less effective than strong ones. — Washington Post, "Opioid crisis goes global as deaths surge in Australia," 5 Sep. 2019 The center relies on grants and donations for funding, and Layden is hoping that the bike ride fundraiser will raise funds, friends and awareness so the center can be more effective. — Sara Clarkson, chicagotribune.com, "Clarkson: Field hockey comes to Hinsdale (finallly)," 4 Sep. 2019 Already ranking in the 87th percentile in fastball velocity among MLB pitchers, quicker appearances can make his two-seamer even more effective. — Wells Dusenbury, sun-sentinel.com, "Jose Urena impresses in first look as Marlins closer," 4 Sep. 2019 As expected, the Beavers were more effective on offense. — Gary Horowitz For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, "Neither Oregon State’s defense nor an elevator malfunction can stop Oklahoma State’s offense," 31 Aug. 2019 There have been a variety of proposals making their way through Congress aimed at creating federal criminal statutes that might make prosecuting domestic terrorism threats more effective. — Joe Sexton, ProPublica, "He Spent Years Infiltrating White Supremacist Groups. Here’s What He Has to Say About What’s Going on Now.," 30 Aug. 2019 Gupta anticipates his research will lead to the development of more effective treatments for children with highly aggressive tumors of bone and soft tissues. — Laura Garcia, ExpressNews.com, "Texas’ cancer-fighting agency invests millions in San Antonio research," 30 Aug. 2019 Little evidence exists to show if one type of active shooter training is more effective than another, and some experts have concerns about emphasizing cases in which students have fought back. — Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, "“I’m as ready as I can be”: Students learn to tackle active shooters," 29 Aug. 2019 Curiously, there are some ways in which talking to a machine might be more effective than talking to a human, not less, because people sometimes open up more easily to a machine. — Mike Murphy, Quartz, "This app is trying to replicate you," 29 Aug. 2019

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.

History and Etymology for effective

Adjective

Middle English effectif, borrowed from Late Latin effectīvus "producing a result, efficient," going back to Latin, "involving an end product," from effectus, past participle of efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" + -īvus -ive — more at effect entry 1

Noun

derivative of effective entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for effective

effective

adjective

effective

Definition of effective

Other Words from effective

Synonyms & Antonyms for effective

Choose the Right Synonym for effective

Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient

Examples of effective in a Sentence

First Known Use of effective

History and Etymology for effective

effective

Definition of effective

Other Words from effective

Synonyms & Antonyms for effective

Choose the Right Synonym for effective

Comparing Efficient, Effective, and Proficient

Examples of effective in a Sentence

First Known Use of effective

History and Etymology for effective

WORD OF THE DAY