1. (

• effective ,
• effectual ,
• efficacious ,

) 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 toward peace"; "made an effective entrance"; "his complaint proved to be effectual in bringing action"; "an efficacious law" ;

2. (

• effective ,
• efficient

) 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 the revolution" ;

3. (

• effective

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

4. (

• effective ,
• good ,
• in_effect ,
• in_force

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

5. (

• effective

) 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. (

• effective

) ready for service; "the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers" ;