Effectiveness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe how well something achieves its intended outcome, often in a general sense.

• The effectiveness of the new marketing strategy is evident in the rise of sales

Typically used in medical or technical contexts to describe the ability to produce a desired or intended result.

• The efficacy of this new drug has been proven in clinical trials

Describes achieving a desired aim or result, often in a broader or more subjective sense.

• Her success in the industry is a result of years of hard work and dedication

Refers to doing something in a way that maximizes productivity with the least amount of wasted time, effort, or resources.

• The new machine has greatly improved the efficiency of our production process

Used to measure how much work is accomplished, usually in relation to the amount of time or resources used.

• The team’s productivity soared after the implementation of the new work schedule

Use this word to describe how well something achieves its intended purpose or goal, often in a general or broad sense.

• The effectiveness of the new marketing strategy was evident in the increased sales.
• There are doubts about the effectiveness of the new policy.

Typically used in medical, scientific, or technical contexts to refer to the ability of something, like a drug or a procedure, to produce the desired effect.

• The efficacy of the new vaccine was confirmed through clinical trials.
• We need more data to determine the efficacy of this treatment.

Best used to describe how well something operates or functions, often in terms of speed, efficiency, or quality.

• The computer's performance improved after the upgrade.
• Employee performance is evaluated annually.

This is a less common and more formal term, often used in legal or academic contexts to describe the capacity of something to produce the intended effect.

• The effectuality of the contract was questioned by the legal team.
• Researchers are studying the effectuality of various intervention methods.

Usually refers to the strength or power of something, often used in contexts involving drugs, chemicals, or influence. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• The potency of the medicine made it effective in small doses.
• The CEO's speech lacked the usual potency.

Used to describe how well something achieves its intended goal or outcome. This term is broad and can be applied to various situations, from business strategies to therapeutic treatments.

• The effectiveness of the new marketing campaign will be evaluated next quarter.
• The medication's effectiveness in treating the disease was proven through clinical trials.

Typically used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the ability of a product, especially a drug or treatment, to produce a desired effect under ideal conditions. It is more specific than 'effectiveness'.

• Clinical trials are conducted to determine the efficacy of new drugs.
• The vaccine showed high efficacy in preventing the disease during the trials.

A broad term used to describe the achievement of an aim or goal. It can be applied in personal, academic, business, or social contexts.

• His success in the business world is well-known.
• Graduating with honors was a significant success for her.

Refers to the ability to achieve a desired result with the least waste of time, effort, or resources. It emphasizes doing things in a way that maximizes productivity while minimizing waste.

• The new software improved the efficiency of data processing.
• We need to measure the efficiency of the production line to identify areas for improvement.

Used to describe how much output is produced relative to the input. Commonly applied in work or economic contexts to discuss how much work is done in a given period.

• We need to find ways to enhance employee productivity.
• The company's focus on productivity resulted in higher profits.