WordWeb Online

1. Producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
   "an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid long-distance transportation"; "effective teaching methods"; "made an effective entrance";
   - effectual, efficacious
    
2. Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
   "people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons..."; "effective personnel";
   - efficient
    
3. Works well as a means or remedy
   "an effective reprimand"; "a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat"
    
4. Exerting force or influence
   "the law is effective immediately";
   - good, in effect, in force
    
5. Existing in fact; not theoretical; real
   "a decline in the effective demand"; "confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done"
    
6. (military) ready for service
   "the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers"

See also: actual, competent, effectiveness, effectivity, effectuality, effectualness, efficacious, efficient, existent, hard-hitting, impelling, impressive, operational, operative, potent, powerful, rough-and-ready, stiff, strong, telling, trenchant, useful, utile

Antonym: uneffective

Encyclopedia: Effective