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To be effective means producing a desired result; it is having the intended effect. It addresses the fundamental question: Did you get the job done, or did you do what you were trying to do? The results of one's labor demonstrate effectiveness.

Effectiveness is often seen as the primary goal. For instance, in climbing, accumulating many first ascents or winning numerous competitions confirms one's effectiveness. While some might assume efficiency is contained within effectiveness, the two are distinct. Effectiveness is the ability to use existing resources to their maximum potential. If a climber lacks the strength to do a one-arm pull-up, they cannot send a V17 problem; their capacity dictates their effectiveness.

Effectiveness is relative and depends on realistic goals. One cannot desire to climb a V17 if there is genuinely no chance of success. This necessitates setting practical, achievable targets. A strategy is judged as effective only if it produces the desired outcome; conversely, a treatment is considered best precisely because it is the most effective.

Outcomes are often described using related terms: adverse effects, side effects, after effects, or special effects. One might ask, "How did you make out?" to ascertain success. In practical terms, someone who fails at a specific moment effectively loses, even if not formally acknowledged. Effectiveness describes functioning de facto, fulfilling a specified function in reality, rather than just theoretically.

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