ef·fec·tive ( -f k tv)adj. 1. a. Having an intended or expected effect. b. Producing a strong impression or response; striking: gave an effective performance as Othello. 2. Operative; in effect: The law is effective immediately. 3. Existing in fact; actual: a decline in the effective demand. 4. Prepared for use or action, especially in warfare. n. A soldier or a piece of military equipment that is ready for combat: "The 'company' was no more than two platoons of effectives" (Tom Clancy). ef·fec tive·ness, ef fec·tivi·ty n.Synonyms: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient These adjectives mean producing or capable of producing a desired effect: an effective reprimand; an effectual complaint; an efficacious remedy; the efficient cause of the revolution. |
Effectiveness
blockbuster Something extremely forceful, violent, or effective; a success, a winner, a hit. The term owes its origin to the name given the highly destructive bombs dropped on industrial targets in Britain during World War II.
corker A clincher or a sockdolager, something that settles the question or closes the discussion; also, a lollapalooza; something striking, astonishing, or extraordinary. In use since 1837, this slang term probably derives from the image of a cork “capping a bottle” (the first three meanings) or flying off a champagne bottle with a bang (the latter meanings). Corker was also a baseball term in the late 19th century.
haymaker Any extremely forceful or effective argument, statement, ploy, maneuver, etc., especially a decisive and culminating one. The term is boxing slang for a violent punch or knockout blow. Hay is grass or alfalfa which has been cut or mowed down. Similarly, the recipient of a haymaker in a pugilistic encounter is “cut down.” Mow (someone) down is a related expression.
I deliberately pulled my right back and swung “haymakers” at Choinyski, intending to miss him. (J. J. Corbett, Roar of the Crowd, 1925)
the old one-two Any especially effective combination of two persons or things; a double whammy. The reference is to boxing and the highly effective combination punch consisting of a left jab immediately followed by a hard right cross, usually to the opponent’s jaw and intended as a knockout blow.
put teeth into To make effective or enforceable; to give meaning or substance to. Webster’s Third cites a contemporary use by E. O. Hauser:
… started turning out the arms which would put teeth into neutrality.
The expression is most often used with reference to legislation.
sledge-hammer argument A single statement or ploy which completely dissolves the opposition in a disagreement; a clincher. A sledge-hammer is a large, weighty hammer which, if used as a weapon, can easily incapacitate the victim. This expression is heard infrequently today.
| Noun | 1. | effectiveness - power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect power, powerfulness - possession of controlling influence; "the deterrent power of nuclear weapons"; "the power of his love saved her"; "his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade" incisiveness, trenchancy - keenness and forcefulness of thought or expression or intellect efficaciousness, efficacy - capacity or power to produce a desired effect; "concern about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine" |
| 2. | effectiveness - capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects; "the toxin's potency"; "the strength of the drinks" power, powerfulness - possession of controlling influence; "the deterrent power of nuclear weapons"; "the power of his love saved her"; "his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade" |
effectiveness
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