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

Moody's said Friday that stability in Italy "enhances the effectiveness of economic and fiscal reforms and investment implemented under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan."

Read more on Barron's

In particular, it will consider the timing and effectiveness of the approach to lockdown and the closure of businesses and schools.

Read more on BBC

But if Zillow’s policy remains in force, it could hurt the effectiveness of Compass’s strategy, which Reffkin described in his testimony as “critical to our future.”

Read more on Barron's

He echoes the feelings of Simone's friend, Bethany, who has also expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the Foreign Office's campaign.

Read more on BBC

“I don’t think it’s a realistic way to gauge effectiveness,” said Melissa Cregan, the commissioner in Fresno County.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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