effective

[ ih-fek-tiv, ee-fek‐ ]

adjective

1. adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result:

   effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.

   Synonyms: competent, capable

   Antonyms: useless, futile

2. actually in operation or in force; functioning:

   The law becomes effective at midnight.

3. producing a deep or vivid impression; striking:

   an effective photograph.

4. prepared and available for service, especially military service.

noun

1. a member of the armed forces fit for duty or active service.
2. the effective total of a military force.

effective

/ ɪˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. productive of or capable of producing a result
2. in effect; operative

   effective from midnight

3. producing a striking impression; impressive

   an effective entrance

4. prenominal actual rather than theoretical; real

   the effective income after deductions

5. (of a military force, etc) equipped and prepared for action
6. physics (of an alternating quantity) having a value that is the square root of the mean of the squares of the magnitude measured at each instant over a defined period of time, usually one cycle See also root mean square

noun

1. a serviceman who is equipped and prepared for action

Derived Forms

• efˈfectiveness, noun
• efˈfectively, adverb

Other Words From

• ef·fec·tive·ly adverb
• ef·fec·tive·ness ef·fec·tiv·i·ty [ih-fek-, tiv, -i-tee, ee-fek-] noun
• pre·ef·fec·tive adjective
• qua·si-ef·fec·tive adjective
• sub·ef·fec·tive adjective
• su·per·ef·fec·tive adjective
• un·ef·fec·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of effective¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin effectīvus “practical,” equivalent to effect(us), past participle of efficere ( effect ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Synonym Study

operative. telling.

Example Sentences

In particular, more vigorous, aerobic exercise is effective for lowering blood pressure, but also everyday physical activity can have a beneficial impact.

From Science Daily

The method, described in Nature Biomedical Engineering, mirrors the iterative process of developing a culinary dish and may lead to safer, more effective mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

From Science Daily

To develop safer, more effective ionizable lipids, the Penn Engineers employed a unique approach that combines two prevailing methods: medicinal chemistry, which involves slowly and laboriously designing molecules one step at a time, and combinatorial chemistry, which involves generating many different molecules quickly through simple reactions.

From Science Daily

This flexibility was key to fine-tuning the ionizable lipid properties for safe and effective mRNA delivery.

From Science Daily

While it can take years to develop an effective lipid using traditional methods, the team's directed evolution process could reduce this timeline to just months or even weeks.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• active
• adequate
• compelling
• competent
• direct
• efficient
• forceful
• impressive
• potent
• powerful
• practical
• successful
• useful
• valid