effectiveness

Rarely ef·fec·tiv·i·ty

[ih-fek-tiv-nis, ee-fek‐]

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.

Other Word Forms

• subeffectiveness noun
• supereffectiveness noun
• uneffectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of effectiveness¹

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

Example Sentences

The author suggests that making cruelty a mandate has generated more public resistance and undermined enforcement effectiveness.

From Los Angeles Times

Many analysts question the effectiveness of the UN in resolving conflict these days, pointing in particular to gridlock in the Security Council and the body's unresponsive bureaucracy.

From BBC

To evaluate the effectiveness of the new curriculum, the team of researchers recruited 16 preschool classrooms and adjusted the activities based on feedback.

From Los Angeles Times

It said it would continue to "monitor progress across the region to determine the effectiveness of the pilot scheme".

From BBC

The break in the Santa Monica Bay was constructed to create a marina, but storms and time damaged it beyond effectiveness, though remnants of the rocky break still affect the water flow, researchers said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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