effectiveness

American  

[ih-fek-tiv-nis, ee-fek‐] / ɪˈfɛk tɪv nɪs, iˈfɛk‐ /

Rarely effectivity

noun

1. the quality of producing an intended or desired result.

   For maximum effectiveness of your weight loss plan, you need to combine exercise with a healthy diet.

2. the quality of producing a deep or vivid impression.

   We were struck by the evident appeal and effectiveness of these short, dramatic, upbeat video stories.

3. a measure of the success of a vaccine or other pharmaceutical when used in the real world, as opposed to the controlled environment of a clinical trial.

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Other Word Forms

• subeffectiveness noun
• supereffectiveness noun
• uneffectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of effectiveness

First recorded in 1600–10; effective ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

“The laws would recklessly endanger the lives of federal agents and their family members and compromise the operational effectiveness of federal law enforcement activities,” the government said in court filings.

From Los Angeles Times

“With Heaven on Top” is a long album—25 tracks, 78 minutes—and the effectiveness of the songwriting varies widely.

From The Wall Street Journal

The authors also point out that "high humidity significantly reduces the effectiveness of evaporative cooling -- the primary mechanism honey bees use to regulate hive temperatures -- potentially making thermoregulation even more difficult."

From Science Daily

The effectiveness and safety of these vaccines have been demonstrated by the billions of jabs administered across the world.

From Barron's

Their effectiveness was discovered long before football was invented.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• capability
• efficacy
• efficiency
• potency
• power
• success