I. i-ˈfek-tiv, e-, ē-, ə- adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect
an effective policy
b. : impressive , striking
a gold lamé fabric studded with effective …precious stones — Stanley Marcus
2. : ready for service or action
effective manpower
3. : actual
the need to increase effective demand for goods
4. : being in effect : operative
the tax becomes effective next year
5. of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period — compare nominal 4
• ef·fec·tive·ness noun
• ef·fec·tiv·i·ty ˌe-ˌfek-ˈti-və-tē, i-, ē-, ə- noun
Synonyms:
effective , effectual , efficient , efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect
an effective rebuttal
effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact
the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual
efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning
an efficient small car
efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power
a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease
II. noun
Date: 1722
: one that is effective ; especially : a soldier equipped for duty