in effect

Idioms  

1. For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement . [Late 1500s]

2. In or into operation, as in This law will be in effect in January . Related phrases include go into effect and take effect , which mean “become operative,” as in This law goes into effect January 1 , or It takes effect January 1 . Similarly, put into effect means “make operative,” as in When will the judge's ruling be put into effect? [Late 1700s] Also see in force , def. 2.

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Example Sentences

That combination of elevated prices and slowing growth is what economists broadly refer to as stagflation, but there’s no universally agreed upon threshold for when it’s in effect.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Deductions for seniors, tips, overtime and car-loan interest on American-assembled cars are in effect until 2028.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

The blockade on the crucial waterway is officially in effect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Gusty winds are expected in the Coachella Valley region Friday, where an air quality alert is in effect until 3 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The loans carried, in effect, government guarantees; if the homeowners defaulted, the government paid off their debts.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis