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

In response to criticism of the provision’s effectiveness, Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky introduced a motion to expand its incentives so developers actually build the newly legalized housing types, potentially allowing for higher, denser projects.

From Los Angeles Times

This is because depositors are migrating savings into higher-yielding term deposits as rate differentials widen, and digital banking has shown increased effectiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal

But its effectiveness may vary, and there are some disadvantages to consider in the long run, according to the report released Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Some experts have questioned the effectiveness, however, of replacing meals with nutritionally rich drinks.

From BBC

And it also shined a spotlight on Gabbard’s effectiveness in her position, since she basically serves the function of a potted plant.

From Salon

Related Words

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