adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result

effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.

actually in operation or in force; functioning

The law becomes effective at midnight.

producing a deep or vivid impression; striking

an effective photograph.

prepared and available for service, esp. military service.

a member of the armed forces fit for duty or active service.

the effective total of a military force.

adjective

fruitless , impotent , incapable , ineffective , unproductive , useless , weak , inoperative

adjective

able , active , adequate , capable , cogent , compelling , competent , convincing , direct , effectual , efficacious , efficient , emphatic , energetic , forceful , forcible , having lead in pencil , impressive , live , moving , on the ball * , operative , playing hardball , potent , powerful , powerhouse , practical , producing , resultant , serviceable , serving , sound , striking , sufficient , telling , trenchant , useful , valid , virtuous , wicked * , yieldingnotes:effective means \'having a (desired) result or effect , \' effectual is \'succeeding in producing a desired result or effect , \' and efficacious means the same as effectual as well as \'serving as an effective solution or remedy\' , actual , current , dynamic , in effect , in execution , in force , in operation , realnotes:effective means \'having a (desired) result or effect , productive , dynamical , hard-hitting , strong , vigorous , operational , availing , causal , incisive , influential , operant , persuasive