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

The UK Labour government has also said it is exploring ways to improve the effectiveness of a scheme that allows foreign nationals leave prisons in England and Wales before their sentence is finished.

From BBC

The analysis found precipitation patterns -- particularly dry conditions in the 10 days before application or wet conditions 10 days after application -- also affected herbicide effectiveness.

From Science Daily

In their study, the researchers tested the effectiveness of fampridine on working memory in 43 healthy adults.

From Science Daily

The Los Angeles Board of Supervisors quickly and quietly rejected a chance to discuss improvements in governance and effectiveness.

From Los Angeles Times

Elise accepts that those opposed to the bill have questions about the effectiveness of these safety measures, and the ethics of assisted dying.

From BBC

Related Words

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