EFFECTIVE
Dictionary entry overview: What does effective mean?
• EFFECTIVE (adjective)
The adjective EFFECTIVE has 6 senses:
1. producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
2. able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
3. works well as a means or remedy
4. exerting force or influence
5. existing in fact; not theoretical; real
6. ready for service
Familiarity information: EFFECTIVE used as an adjective is common.
Dictionary entry details
• EFFECTIVE (adjective)
Meaning:
Producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
Synonyms:
effective; effectual; efficacious
Context examples:
an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid long-distance transportation / effective teaching methods / effective steps toward peace / made an effective entrance / his complaint proved to be effectual in bringing action / an efficacious law
Similar:
rough-and-ready (crude but effective for the purpose at hand)
impressive; telling (producing a strong effect)
impelling (markedly effective as if by emotional pressure)
hard-hitting; trenchant (characterized by or full of force and vigor)
Also:
useful; utile (being of use or service)
powerful (having great power or force or potency or effect)
potent; stiff; strong (having a strong physiological or chemical effect)
efficient (being effective without wasting time or effort or expense)
efficacious (marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect)
Attribute:
effectiveness; effectivity; effectuality; effectualness (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Antonym:
ineffective (not producing an intended effect)
Meaning:
Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
Synonyms:
effective; efficient
Context examples:
people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons... / effective personnel / an efficient secretary / the efficient cause of the revolution
Similar:
competent (properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient)
Meaning:
Works well as a means or remedy
Context examples:
an effective reprimand / a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat
Similar:
efficacious (marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect)
Meaning:
Exerting force or influence
Synonyms:
in force; in effect; effective; good
Context examples:
the law is effective immediately / a warranty good for two years / the law is already in effect (or in force)
Similar:
operative (being in force or having or exerting force)
Meaning:
Existing in fact; not theoretical; real
Context examples:
a decline in the effective demand / confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done
Similar:
actual; existent (presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible)
Meaning:
Ready for service
Context example:
the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers
Similar:
operational (of or intended for or involved in military operations)
Domain category:
armed forces; armed services; military; military machine; war machine (the military forces of a nation)
