effective
1. [ adjective ] producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
Synonyms: efficacious effectual
Examples:

"an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid transportation"-LewisMumford "effective teaching methods" "effective steps toward peace"

Related terms: ineffective hard-hitting impelling impressive hard-hitting rough-and-ready powerful useful efficient potent efficacious effectiveness
2. [ adjective ] able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
Synonyms: efficient
Examples:

"people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons..."-G.B.Shaw "effective personnel" "an efficient secretary"

Related terms: competent
3. [ adjective ] works well as a means or remedy
Examples:

"an effective reprimand" "a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat"

Related terms: efficacious
4. [ adjective ] exerting force or influence
Synonyms: in_effect good in_force
Examples:

"the law is effective immediately" "a warranty good for two years" "the law is already in effect (or in force)"

Related terms: operative
5. [ adjective ] existing in fact; not theoretical; real
Examples:

"a decline in the effective demand" "confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done"

Related terms: actual
6. [ adjective ] (military) equipped and ready for service
Examples:

"the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers"

Related terms: military operational
Similar spelling:   effectively
  effect
  effectivity
  effecter
  effected
  effectuate
  effects
  effector
  effectuation
  effectuality
  effectual
  effectually