Efficacious — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌe-fə-ˈkā-shəs/ ef·fi·ca·cious

Meaning & Definition of Efficacious

Efficacious (adjective)

  1. having the power to produce a desired effect

Efficacious (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. producing or capable of producing a desired result

    "taking a cookie break while studying is one of the most efficacious ways of rejuvenating the mind that I have ever discovered"

    similar: effective, effectual, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent, productive
    related: hyperefficient, ultraefficient, adequate, capable, competent, accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced, proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso, cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid, active, dynamic, useful, working, applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable, workable
    opposite: fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless
    near: counterproductive, incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, abortive, bootless, futile, vain, empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful, inoperative, worthless

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Efficacious

The most common words with a similar meaning to Efficacious:

effective, effectual, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent, productive

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Efficacious

Words with the opposite meaning of Efficacious:

fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless

Related Words for Efficacious

hyperefficient, ultraefficient, adequate, capable, competent, accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced, proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso, cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid, active, dynamic, useful, working, applicable

Near Antonyms of Efficacious

counterproductive, incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, abortive, bootless, futile, vain, empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful, worthless

Word Forms of Efficacious

Derived words: efficaciously (adverb), efficaciousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Efficacious

borrowed from Middle French efficace "effective" or its source Latin efficāc-, efficāx "capable of fulfilling a function, effective" (from efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" + -āc-, -āx, deverbal suffix denoting habitual or successful performance) + -ious effect:1, audacious

First known use: 1528

Frequently Asked Questions about Efficacious

What does "Efficacious" mean?

"Efficacious" means having the power to produce a desired effect. As an adjective, it is defined as: having the power to produce a desired effect.

What is another word for "Efficacious"?

Other words for "Efficacious" include effective, effectual, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent and productive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Efficacious" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Efficacious"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Efficacious". Common alternatives include effective, effectual, efficient, fruitful, operative, potent and productive.

What is the opposite of "Efficacious"?

Antonyms of "Efficacious" include fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive and useless. Near antonyms include counterproductive, incapable, incompetent and inexperienced.

How do you use "Efficacious" in a sentence?

Examples of "Efficacious" in a sentence: "taking a cookie break while studying is one of the most efficacious ways of rejuvenating the mind that I have ever discovered".

Is "Efficacious" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Efficacious" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Efficacious"?

"Efficacious" is pronounced /ˌe-fə-ˈkā-shəs/ and divided into syllables as ef·fi·ca·cious.

What is the origin of the word "Efficacious"?

"Efficacious" comes from borrowed from Middle French efficace "effective" or its source Latin efficāc-, efficāx "capable of fulfilling a function, effective" (from efficere "to make, bring about, produce, carry out" + -āc-, -āx, deverbal suffix denoting habitual or successful performance) + -ious effect:1, audacious. First known use: 1528.