What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
successful
Example
The company's new product launch was very successful. [successful: adjective]
Example
She has been very successful in her career as a lawyer. [successful: adjective]
Example
The band's latest album was a commercial success. [success: noun]
effective
Example
The new software program is very effective at reducing errors. [effective: adjective]
Example
He is an effective communicator and can get his point across clearly. [effective: adjective]
Example
The team's effective use of time allowed them to complete the project ahead of schedule. [effective: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Successful is more commonly used in personal and professional contexts, while effective is more commonly used in professional and academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between successful and effective?
Effective is generally considered more formal than successful, as it is often used in professional and academic contexts where precision and clarity are important.
