effectively

American  

[ih-fek-tiv-lee, ee-fek‐] / ɪˈfɛk tɪv li, iˈfɛk‐ /

adverb

1. in a way that accomplishes a purpose or produces the intended or expected results.

   These scissors are no longer sharp and do not cut effectively.

   You may not like all your coworkers, but you still have to learn to work effectively with them.

2. in actuality; in practice.

   Allowing the legislature to take existing money for schools and use it for other purposes effectively means there will be no new money for education.

3. in a way that produces a vivid impression; strikingly.

   The visually rich photographs are effectively displayed against the stark white gallery walls.

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Other Word Forms

• preeffectively adverb
• quasi-effectively adverb
• subeffectively adverb
• supereffectively adverb
• uneffectively adverb

Etymology

Origin of effectively

effective ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Effectively is an adverb with two meanings; use it if you want to describe something that's done in an effective manner or as a replacement for words like "actually" or "basically." If wearing special gloves helps you catch a football more effectively, then it helps you get the job done better and more efficiently. People usually want to do their jobs more effectively. But this word can also mean actually or basically. If your grandparents are raising you, they are effectively your parents, and you are effectively their children. Whether they're raising you effectively in the first sense is another matter.

Example Sentences

The IEA confirms heavier grades from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait “remain effectively locked in.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Fairfax denied the allegations and finished out his term in 2022, but lost the support of his party, effectively ending his political career amid calls for his resignation.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

The current system, in which those affected must show they have been at least "60% disabled", does not work effectively for Covid vaccines, says the report.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Private sector job creation has effectively stalled, hiring is at its lowest since April 2020, and the decline in the quit rate signals slower wage growth ahead, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

All we needed to do was sign a few simple documents, effectively clearing the festival organizers of any liability.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• adequately
• completely
• definitely
• dramatically
• energetically
• finally
• forcefully
• productively