effectively
ih-FEHK-tihv-lee
Effectively (adv) means In a way that produces the intended result; successfully. Example: “She communicated her point effectively despite the language barrier.”
adv
1
In a way that produces the intended result; successfully.
"She communicated her point effectively despite the language barrier."
"The new filter effectively removes the dust from the air in the workshop."
"If you plan your week well, you can use your time more effectively."
2
For all practical purposes; essentially.
"The deal effectively ended the two companies' rivalry."
"A doorknob of whatever roundish shape is effectively a continuum of levers, with the axis of the latching mechanism—known as the spindle—being the fulcrum about which the turning takes place."
— Henry Petroski, Opening Doors (2012)
"On paper, the answer seems to be yes, but, effectively, the answer is no."
"By missing the deadline, he effectively quit the project without saying a word."
"The road is effectively closed, because the only lane left is blocked by roadworks."
How to use effectively
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "in a way that works well" or "in practical terms, basically."
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "efficiently" — effectively is about achieving the right outcome, not about doing so with minimal waste.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like effectively.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more effectively
- Superlative
- most effectively
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She communicated her point _____ despite the language barrier.
Etymology
Formed from effective plus the adverb suffix "-ly."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
ineffectively
Related words
Rhymes for effectively
See all rhymes for effectively →Frequently asked questions
What does “effectively” mean?
The word “effectively” means in a way that produces the intended result; successfully. In plain terms, either "in a way that works well" or "in practical terms, basically.".
How do you pronounce “effectively”?
“Effectively” is pronounced ih-FEHK-tihv-lee (/ɪˈfɛktɪvli/ in IPA).
How do you use “effectively” in a sentence?
Here is “effectively” used in a sentence: “She communicated her point effectively despite the language barrier.”
What part of speech is “effectively”?
“Effectively” is an adverb.
Is “effectively” a common word?
“Effectively” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “effectively” have?
“Effectively” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that produces the intended result; successfully.
What is the difference between effectively and efficiently?
Effectively means getting the intended result — doing the right thing so it works. Efficiently means getting a result with the least waste of time, money or effort. You can do a job effectively but not efficiently (it works, but slowly), or efficiently but not effectively (quick, yet missing the point).
Does effectively mean "in effect"?
Yes, that is its second common meaning. Besides "successfully," effectively can mean "in practical terms" or "essentially," as in "she effectively ran the company." Here it signals that something is true in reality even if not officially or technically so. Context tells you which sense is meant.
What is an example of using effectively?
"The medicine treated the infection effectively" means it did the job and produced the intended result. In the other sense, "the strike effectively shut down the city" means that, in practical terms, the city was shut down. The first judges success; the second means "essentially."
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include effectively:
