effective
[ ih-fek-tiv ]
/ ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
adjective
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.
noun
a member of the armed forces fit for duty or active service.
the effective total of a military force.
RELATED CONTENT
“Not Good” vs. “No Good”: When To Use Them BothHere’s something that’s good to know: No good means something has no use or value, and has no potential of becoming good. Not good means something is bad or undesirable. The correct way to use them isn’t that clear cut. At times, there’s no difference, and they can be used interchangeably. No Good When good is used as a noun, no can quantify or modify …
RELATED WORDS
potency, success, efficacy, effect, validity, capability, efficiency, strength, power, clout, performance, vigor, use, force, weight, point, verve, punch, forcefulness, cogency
Nearby words
Origin of effective
SYNONYMS FOR effective
1 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.
Related forms
Can be confusedaffective effective (see synonym study at the current entry)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for effectiveness
British Dictionary definitions for effectiveness
effective
/ (ɪˈfɛktɪv) /
adjective
noun
a serviceman who is equipped and prepared for action
Derived Formseffectively, adverbeffectiveness, noun
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