effectiveness

[ 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. Compare efficacy ( def 2 ).

Other Words From

• sub·ef·fec·tive·ness noun
• su·per·ef·fec·tive·ness noun
• un·ef·fec·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of effectiveness¹

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

Example Sentences

“Generally, my idea of an effective workout tiktok is one that actually teaches viewers something,” says Gach.

From Popular-Science

Beyond that, though, the most effective way to do so is to wear a mask, most likely preventing the wearer from spreading the virus should they be infected.

From Washington Post

Companies need more cost-effective solutions and greater flexibility as business models shift.

From TechCrunch

I think we’ve been effective at tamping down rumors and a lot is the tone.

From ProPublica

Communities will also need better fire detection and notification systems, redundant evacuation routes, and more effective emergency response practices.

From MIT Technology Review

Ever since it was created in 1965, politicians and researchers have studied and debated its effectiveness.

From The Daily Beast

The culture of promotion through seniority kills creativity and effectiveness.

From The Daily Beast

The trouble comes from overconfidence in their effectiveness.

From The Daily Beast

William Lloyd Garrison was probably the most prominent leader who relied on the effectiveness of hellfire.

From The Daily Beast

The effectiveness of these pamphlets, and the awareness of its writers are apparent in one Lum digs up called “To Mothers.”

From The Daily Beast

The result is, with the inward retreat of the steep it enters on conditions which diminish the effectiveness of the wave stroke.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether Madame Probasco was feigning or not, the outstanding fact was that the next experiments varied greatly in effectiveness.

From Project Gutenberg

Once they permitted the possibility of defeat to possess them their effectiveness would decrease.

From Project Gutenberg

The blockade of Leghorn was enforced with the utmost rigor and great effectiveness.

From Project Gutenberg

This is all the more deplorable because the effectiveness of sexual education is minimised through the lack of insight.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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