1. [Adjective]: 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"-LewisMumford; "effective teaching methods"; "effective steps towar

2. works well as a means or remedy; "an effective reprimand"; "a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat"

3. 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..."-G.B.Shaw; "effective personnel"; "an efficient secretary"; "the efficient cause of

4. equipped and ready for service; "the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers"

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. exerting force or influence; "the law is effective immediately"; "a warranty good for two years"; "the law is already in effect (or in force)"

1. actual

2. existent

3. competent

4. operative

5. hard-hitting

6. trenchant

7. impelling

8. impressive

9. telling

10. rough-and-ready

11. efficacious

12. operational

1. ineffective

2. uneffective

3. ineffectual