effective Definition
- 1successful in producing a desired or intended result
- 2(of rules or laws) in operation or in force; functioning
Using effective: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "effective" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The new drug has been very effective in treating the disease.
Example
The company implemented an effective marketing strategy.
Example
The team's defense was very effective against the opponent's offense.
Example
The law will become effective next month.
effective Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for effective
Antonyms for effective
Idioms Using effective
Example
The new law will take effect next year.
Example
The new regulations will come into effect next month.
starting right away
Example
The new policy is effective immediately.
Phrases with effective
cost-effective
producing good results without costing a lot of money
Example
The company chose a cost-effective solution for their production process.
time-effective
producing good results without taking a lot of time
Example
The new software is much more time-effective than the old one.
energy-effective
producing good results without using a lot of energy
Example
The new building design is very energy-effective, reducing electricity consumption by 50%.
Origins of effective
from Latin 'effectivus', from 'effectus', meaning 'accomplishment'
Summary: effective in Brief
The term 'effective' [ɪˈfɛktɪv] refers to something that is successful in producing a desired result or is in operation. It can be used to describe anything from a drug that treats a disease to a marketing strategy that increases sales. 'Effective' can also be used in phrases like 'cost-effective' and 'time-effective,' which describe methods that produce good results without costing a lot of money or taking a lot of time. Idioms like 'take effect' and 'come into effect' describe when something starts to produce a result or is enforced.