Definition of effective

• producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect; "an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witchs 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"
• 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"
• works well as a means or remedy; "an effective reprimand"; "a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat"