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Guide 12 of 31

SAT words about effectiveness and quality.

71 words the Digital SAT draws on when a passage turns to effectiveness and quality — each with its part of speech, a plain-English definition, and an example sentence showing how it behaves in context.

71 words · Free PDF · No account needed

Vocabulary on the Digital SAT is tested in context, not in isolation: a Words in Context question hands you a sentence with a blank and four plausible-looking candidates, and the winner is the one whose shade of meaning fits. Studying words in a meaning-group like this one is the fastest way to build that discrimination — you learn effectiveness and quality as a spectrum rather than as 71 unrelated definitions.

Read the definition, then the example sentence. Say the word aloud. Come back to this theme a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.

The 71 words

Alphabetical. Everything in the Effectiveness & Quality guide.

001
acceptableadjective

meeting the required standards; satisfactory

The quality of work was acceptable but not exceptional.

002
accuracynoun

the quality of being correct or precise

The accuracy of the measurements was critical to the experiment's success.

003
adeptadjective

very skilled or proficient at something

He was adept at solving complex problems.

004
adequateadjective

satisfactory or acceptable in quality

The facilities were adequate for the event.

005
advantageousadjective

providing a benefit or favorable position

Living near the office proved advantageous during the transit strike.

006
appropriateadjective

suitable or proper for a particular situation

Wearing formal attire is appropriate for the gala event.

007
beneficialadjective

producing good results; advantageous

Regular exercise is beneficial to both physical and mental health.

008
beneficiallyadverb

in a way that produces good results

The new policies have beneficially impacted employee morale.

009
blandadjective

lacking strong flavor or character; uninteresting

The soup tasted bland and needed more seasoning.

010
calibrationsnoun

precise adjustments or measurements for accuracy

Regular calibrations ensure the equipment produces accurate readings.

011
compellingadjective

evoking strong interest or attention; convincing

The documentary presented a compelling case for environmental reform.

012
competentadjective

having sufficient skill or knowledge to perform a task

She proved herself to be a competent leader during the crisis.

013
competentadjective

having the necessary ability or skills

The competent staff managed the project efficiently.

014
conditionnoun

the state of something; a requirement for something else

The house was in excellent condition when they bought it.

015
conditionsnoun

circumstances affecting the way people live or work

Working conditions have improved significantly over the past decade.

016
correctadjective

free from error; accurate

Please verify that all information is correct before submitting.

017
creativeadjective

having the ability to produce original ideas

Her creative approach to problem-solving impressed the team.

018
creativitynoun

the use of imagination to produce original ideas

The project encouraged creativity among the young students.

019
criterianoun

standards by which something is judged or decided

Applicants must meet all criteria to be considered for the position.

020
efficaciousadjective

successful in producing a desired result

The efficacious treatment cured most patients.

021
efficientadjective

achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort

The new software made the workflow much more efficient.

022
enhanceverb

to intensify, increase, or improve the quality or value of

Adding spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.

023
exactitudenoun

the quality of being exact; precision and accuracy

The surgeon performed the procedure with remarkable exactitude.

024
exemplaryadjective

serving as a desirable model; outstanding

Her exemplary conduct earned her a promotion.

025
extraordinaryadjective

very unusual or remarkable; beyond what is ordinary

The young musician displayed extraordinary talent at the competition.

026
flawlessadjective

without any blemishes or imperfections

The gymnast delivered a flawless performance.

027
fragileadjective

easily broken or damaged; delicate

The fragile ecosystem could be destroyed by pollution.

028
handmadeadjective

made by hand rather than by machine

The handmade quilt had been passed down through three generations.

029
healthyadjective

in good physical or mental condition; conducive to good health

Eating a healthy diet can significantly improve your energy levels.

030
imaginativeadjective

having or showing creativity and original ideas

The imaginative architect designed buildings that defied convention.

031
impeccableadjective

faultless; without defects

Her impeccable taste in fashion was legendary.

032
impracticaladjective

not sensible or realistic; not adapted for actual use

Wearing high heels on a hiking trail is completely impractical.

033
improviseverb

to create or perform spontaneously without preparation

When the teleprompter failed, she had to improvise her speech.

034
inadequateadjective

lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient

The inadequate funding forced the program to shut down.

035
incompetentadjective

not having the necessary skills

The incompetent contractor caused numerous delays.

036
ineffectiveadjective

not producing the desired effect; unsuccessful

The medication proved ineffective against the new strain of virus.

037
ineffectualadjective

not producing the intended result; lacking the ability to achieve goals

The ineffectual leadership led to the company's decline.

038
ineptadjective

having or showing no skill; clumsy

The inept handling of the crisis worsened the situation.

039
infallibleadjective

incapable of making mistakes or being wrong

No system is infallible, so we must prepare for potential errors.

040
inferioradjective

lower in quality or status

The inferior product failed quality tests.

041
inventverb

to create or design something that has not existed before

Thomas Edison helped invent the modern electric light bulb.

042
inventedverb

created or designed something new

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.

043
inventingverb

creating or designing something new

She spent years inventing a more efficient solar panel.

044
inventiveadjective

having the ability to create or design new things; showing creativity

The inventive engineer found solutions to complex problems.

045
manageableadjective

able to be controlled, handled, or dealt with without great difficulty

Breaking the project into smaller tasks made it much more manageable.

046
masterynoun

comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or activity

His mastery of multiple languages opened many career opportunities.

047
measureverb

to ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something using an instrument or standard

Scientists measure temperature changes to track global warming trends.

048
mediocreadjective

of only moderate quality; not very good

The mediocre performance disappointed the audience.

049
meticulousadjective

showing great attention to detail

The meticulous researcher checked every source.

050
optimaladjective

best or most favorable

The scientist found the optimal conditions for the experiment.

051
optimizeverb

to make the best or most effective use of something

Engineers worked to optimize the engine's fuel efficiency.

052
preventableadjective

able to be stopped from happening

Many diseases are preventable through proper vaccination.

053
pristineadjective

in its original condition; unspoiled

The pristine wilderness had never been explored.

054
proficientadjective

competent or skilled in doing something

She is proficient in three programming languages.

055
proficientadjective

competent or skilled at something

She became proficient in three languages.

056
satisfactoryadjective

fulfilling expectations or needs; acceptable but not outstanding

The student's performance was satisfactory but could be improved.

057
scratchyadjective

rough or irritating to the touch; making a harsh sound

The old wool sweater was too scratchy to wear comfortably.

058
skilledadjective

having or showing the knowledge and ability to perform a task well

The company employs highly skilled engineers.

059
smoothlyadverb

in an even and regular manner; without difficulties or problems

The transition to the new system went smoothly.

060
standardnoun/adjective

a level of quality or attainment; used or accepted as normal or average

The hotel offers a high standard of service.

061
sturdilyadverb

in a strong and solid manner; robustly

The cabin was sturdily built to withstand harsh winters.

062
suboptimaladjective

below the highest standard; not ideal

The suboptimal results prompted further testing.

063
suitableadjective

right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation

This dress is suitable for a formal occasion.

064
superficialadjective

existing or occurring at or on the surface; lacking depth of character or understanding

The article provided only a superficial analysis of the issue.

065
superficialadjective

existing only on the surface; shallow

The report provided only a superficial analysis of the issue.

066
superioradjective

higher in quality or status

The superior craftsmanship justified the high price.

067
triteadjective

lacking originality; overused

The movie relied on trite plot devices.

068
usefuladjective

able to be used for a practical purpose; helpful

The guidebook proved useful for navigating the unfamiliar city.

069
uselessadjective

not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose; pointless

Without batteries, the flashlight was completely useless during the power outage.

070
viableadjective

capable of working successfully

The committee approved the viable proposal.

071
wasteverb/noun

to use or expend carelessly or to no purpose; unwanted material

It would be a waste to throw away perfectly good food.

Prefer paper? The printable Effectiveness & Quality guide adds a memory cue to every entry, ready to print — 68 of the 71 words on this page. For the alphabetical master list, see the SAT vocabulary list; to be quizzed on these words instead of reading them, use the vocabulary trainer or try some Words in Context practice.

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