effective
ih-FEK-tiv
/ɪˈfɛktɪv/
Successful in producing a desired or intended result; operative or enforced.
Focuses on whether an objective was achieved, without necessarily addressing the amount of resources consumed.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'effectus', meaning accomplished or completed. It entered English in the 14th century to describe things that actively produce an intended effect.
Word relationships
- successful: Successful is broad, while effective specifically means achieving the intended goal or function.
- potent: Potent emphasizes strong inherent power, whereas effective emphasizes practical outcome.
- ineffective: Failing to produce the desired result.
Commonly confused with
- efficient: Effective means doing the right thing to get results; efficient means doing it with minimal effort/waste.
Word family
- effectively (adverb): In an effective manner.
- effectiveness (noun): The degree to which something is effective.
Collocations
- highly effective
- cost-effective
- effective date
- effective communication
Example sentences
- "Penicillin proved to be a highly effective treatment against bacterial infections." Medicine
Memory hook
EFFECTive creates a good EFFECT. Effective gets the job done.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'efficient'; something can be effective (it works) while being wildly inefficient (it wastes time/money).
Fun facts
- Peter Drucker famously said: 'Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.'
Related words
Explore more words
efficacy, Enforceable, efficiency, purposeful, ineffectual, objective
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