Effective typically describes things—such as policies, treatments, arguments, and techniques—that do what they are intended to do. People can also be described as effective when they accomplish what …

The adjective effective describes things that are adequate to accomplish a purpose, or that produce the intended or expected result. But effective isn’t quite the same as effectual, efficacious, or efficient!

EFFECTIVE definition: 1. successful or achieving the results that you want: 2. (used about a treatment or drug) working…. Learn more.

Effective and efficient are often confused, but they have slightly different meanings. If you are effective, you do a job properly; if you are efficient, you do it quickly and easily.

Effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient refer to that which is able to produce a (desired) effect. Effective is applied to that which has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective …

From Longman Business Dictionary ef‧fec‧tive /ɪˈfektɪv/ adjective 1 working well and producing the result or effect that was wanted or intended The company mounted a very effective publicity campaign.

Jan 14, 2026 · Adjective effective (comparative more effective, superlative most effective) Having the power to produce a required effect or effects.

'Effective' describes actions, methods, or strategies that produce the desired results, emphasizing their capacity to bring about a specific effect or impact in a reliable and efficient manner.

Effective refers to successfully producing a desired or intended result, functioning efficiently or adequately, or having an intended or expected outcome. It emphasizes the capability of producing a …

Effective definition: Operative; in effect.