effective
[ih-fek-tiv]
- adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result: effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.
- actually in operation or in force; functioning: The law becomes effective at midnight.
- producing a deep or vivid impression; striking: an effective photograph.
- prepared and available for service, especially military service.
Show More
- a member of the armed forces fit for duty or active service.
- the effective total of a military force.
Show More
Origin of effective
Synonyms
See more synonyms for effective on Thesaurus.com1. capable, competent. Effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient refer to that which is able to produce a (desired) effect. Effective is applied to that which has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective action, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager. 2. operative. 3. telling.
Antonyms
1. futile, useless.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for effectiveness
Contemporary Examples
Ever since it was created in 1965, politicians and researchers have studied and debated its effectiveness.
The culture of promotion through seniority kills creativity and effectiveness.
The trouble comes from overconfidence in their effectiveness.
Kids Eat the Darndest Things: Laundry Pods, Teething Necklaces, and More Of The Weirdest Stuff Sending Kids to the E.R.Russell Saunders
November 14, 2014
William Lloyd Garrison was probably the most prominent leader who relied on the effectiveness of hellfire.
The effectiveness of these pamphlets, and the awareness of its writers are apparent in one Lum digs up called “To Mothers.”
Historical Examples
The summary of a lesson, given by the class, is a test of the effectiveness of instruction.
College TeachingPaul Klapper
Their help is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the exorciser's task.
The Religion of Babylonia and AssyriaMorris Jastrow
But this result only added to the effectiveness of the scene, though it was painful.
The Moving Picture Girls in War PlaysLaura Lee Hope
The face is that of an aloof and sunny spirit, full of energy and effectiveness.
William ShakespeareJohn Masefield
But force of habit had utterly dulled its effectiveness as a weapon.
The Sign of the SpiderBertram Mitford
effective
- productive of or capable of producing a result
- in effect; operativeeffective from midnight
- producing a striking impression; impressivean effective entrance
- (prenominal) actual rather than theoretical; realthe effective income after deductions
- (of a military force, etc) equipped and prepared for action
- physics (of an alternating quantity) having a value that is the square root of the mean of the squares of the magnitude measured at each instant over a defined period of time, usually one cycleSee also root mean square
Show More
- a serviceman who is equipped and prepared for action
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for effectiveness
effective
adj.
late 14c., from French effectif, from Latin effectivus "productive, effective," from effect-, stem of efficere (see effect (n.)). Effectively in the sense of "actually" is attested by 1650s. Related: Effectivity.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper