B1adjective1K

Effective

UK /["/ɪˈfektɪv/"]/US /["/ɪˈfektɪv/"]/

Definition

producing the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result

In simple words: Works well or gets good results.

Examples

  • The training program was very effective in improving employee skills.
  • An effective strategy can lead to better results in business.
  • Her speech was so effective that it moved the audience to tears.
  • Using visuals in your presentation can be an effective way to engage the audience.
  • The medication was effective in reducing the symptoms of the illness.

Usage notes

Use 'effective' when describing something that produces the desired outcome. It's suitable for both written and spoken contexts but avoid using it in overly casual settings.

Grammar pattern

effective + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'effect' in the word which means to bring about a result.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • prove
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • at
  • in
  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • fully
  • partially
  • directly

Synonyms

  • efficient
  • successful
  • productive
  • potent
  • capable

Antonyms

  • ineffective
  • unproductive
  • useless

Common mistakes

  • 'Effective' is often confused with 'efficient', which means doing something in a good way without wasting time.
  • Learners sometimes use 'effectively' when 'effective' is needed, which is a different grammatical form.
  • Some people mistakenly use 'effective' as a noun, but it's an adjective.