efficacious

/ˌˈɛfəˌˈkeɪʃəs/

When you really want to do something right, really nail it, really get at what you were going for — you're trying to be efficacious, or produce the effect you intended.

The word efficacious is made up of the Latin efficere meaning "accomplish" and the suffix -ious meaning "full of." Something that's efficacious is full of accomplishment. An efficacious medicine is one that cures you of the ailment you had. An efficacious recipe is one that comes out the way you intended it to taste. Remember that efficacious has two fs and two cs in it and you'll be efficacious in your spelling of the word.

Definitions of efficacious

1. adjective

   marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect
   “"written propaganda is less efficacious than the habits and prejudices...of the readers"-Aldous Huxley”

   “the medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough”

   synonyms:

   effective, effectual

   producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

   effective

   works well as a means or remedy

   antonyms:

   inefficacious

   lacking the power to produce a desired effect

   ineffective, ineffectual, uneffective

   not producing an intended effect
2. adjective

   producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
   “an efficacious law”

   synonyms: effective, effectual

   hard-hitting, trenchant

   characterized by or full of force and vigor

   impelling

   markedly effective as if by emotional pressure

   impressive, telling

   producing a strong effect

   rough-and-ready

   crude but effective for the purpose at hand

   efficient

   being effective without wasting time or effort or expense

   potent, stiff, strong

   having a strong physiological or chemical effect

   impactful, powerful

   having great power or force or potency or effect

   useful, utile

   being of use or service