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effective

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




Usage

What are other ways to say effective? The adjective effective is applied to a person or a thing that has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective boss, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Existing HIV drugs are already very effective, but upcoming innovations that will help move patients to long-acting injectable drugs from daily tablets is expected to drive future market growth, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

The club kid movement really stopped after effective retrovirals come in, in 1996.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

Maintaining healthy habits over time remains the most effective strategy for protecting bone strength.

From Science Daily • Jun. 25, 2026

However, the approach is less effective when sides do what Ghana did.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

One stated, “In developing countries, people with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis usually die, because effective treatment is often impossible in poor countries.”

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French




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