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Definition effective in British English

effective adjective

adjective
/ɪˈfektɪv/

▪ deterrent, intervention, means, mechanism, method, strategy, treatment, way

1

someone or something that is effective works well and produces the result that was intended

Example

You need more effective communication within the organization.

Example

Humour is often far more effective than shouting.

Example

The troops should be deployed where they will be most effective.

Example

The new vaccine is highly effective against all strains of the disease.

Example

This is a very effective way of controlling pests and weeds.

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Example

The decorations are easy to make, yet very effective.

Synonyms and related words
2

when a law or agreement becomes effective, it officially begins to be used

Example

Government ministers reached a 30-month agreement, effective from 1 July.

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3

used for saying what the situation really is, although its appearance or official description might be different

Example

The US military is in effective control of the entire region.

3.1

used for saying what is really having a particular effect, although other things may be involved in a situation

Example

the effective agents in the spread of the disease

Synonyms and related words
Definition effective in British English