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

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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

And then there’s the sinking suspicion that a boycott quickly forgotten may not be effective at all. — Ryan Kost, SFChronicle.com, "From SoulCycle to ‘Mulan,’ boycotts abound. But do they work?," 21 Aug. 2019 The entire state is under a severe thunderstorm watch, effective until 9 p.m. Scattered strong to severe storms are expected, with damaging wind and large hail being the primary threats, forecasters said. — Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, "Severe thunderstorms bring rain, wind; possible funnel cloud spotted," 21 Aug. 2019 Gyau's played 31 mins but his time on the field has been effective. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Newest FC Cincinnati players not feeling pressure as 2019 campaign wanes," 21 Aug. 2019 Imposing a tax to change human behavior is often effective, especially when other methods have been tried and failed to produce the required outcome. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, "Editorial: Proposed Denver pollution tax is not ready for prime time," 20 Aug. 2019 Her lawyer acknowledged that his client couldn't sue until the CVA was effective, because the alleged incidents occurred in 2001 and 2002, and attached a draft of the complaint to the petition. — Ashley Cullins, The Hollywood Reporter, "Jeffrey Epstein's Estate Sued Following New York Law Change," 14 Aug. 2019 Notably, the men’s connections did not have to be strong to be effective. — Roberta Kwok, Quartz at Work, "To land top jobs, women need different types of networks than men," 12 Aug. 2019 In those games and the Bulldogs’ other wins, the offense was effective, averaging 7.5 yards per play. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 15 Mississippi State looks to get with the program in Year 2 under Joe Moorhead," 10 Aug. 2019 It’s my personal brainwashing technique—efficient, effective, and free. — Ephrat Livni, Quartzy, "Use these mantras to start, power through, and finish your day," 10 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

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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

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