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.
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.
Alphabetical. Everything in the Effectiveness & Quality guide.
meeting the required standards; satisfactory
The quality of work was acceptable but not exceptional.
the quality of being correct or precise
The accuracy of the measurements was critical to the experiment's success.
very skilled or proficient at something
He was adept at solving complex problems.
satisfactory or acceptable in quality
The facilities were adequate for the event.
providing a benefit or favorable position
Living near the office proved advantageous during the transit strike.
suitable or proper for a particular situation
Wearing formal attire is appropriate for the gala event.
producing good results; advantageous
Regular exercise is beneficial to both physical and mental health.
in a way that produces good results
The new policies have beneficially impacted employee morale.
lacking strong flavor or character; uninteresting
The soup tasted bland and needed more seasoning.
precise adjustments or measurements for accuracy
Regular calibrations ensure the equipment produces accurate readings.
evoking strong interest or attention; convincing
The documentary presented a compelling case for environmental reform.
having sufficient skill or knowledge to perform a task
She proved herself to be a competent leader during the crisis.
having the necessary ability or skills
The competent staff managed the project efficiently.
the state of something; a requirement for something else
The house was in excellent condition when they bought it.
circumstances affecting the way people live or work
Working conditions have improved significantly over the past decade.
free from error; accurate
Please verify that all information is correct before submitting.
having the ability to produce original ideas
Her creative approach to problem-solving impressed the team.
the use of imagination to produce original ideas
The project encouraged creativity among the young students.
standards by which something is judged or decided
Applicants must meet all criteria to be considered for the position.
successful in producing a desired result
The efficacious treatment cured most patients.
achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort
The new software made the workflow much more efficient.
to intensify, increase, or improve the quality or value of
Adding spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.
the quality of being exact; precision and accuracy
The surgeon performed the procedure with remarkable exactitude.
serving as a desirable model; outstanding
Her exemplary conduct earned her a promotion.
very unusual or remarkable; beyond what is ordinary
The young musician displayed extraordinary talent at the competition.
without any blemishes or imperfections
The gymnast delivered a flawless performance.
easily broken or damaged; delicate
The fragile ecosystem could be destroyed by pollution.
made by hand rather than by machine
The handmade quilt had been passed down through three generations.
in good physical or mental condition; conducive to good health
Eating a healthy diet can significantly improve your energy levels.
having or showing creativity and original ideas
The imaginative architect designed buildings that defied convention.
faultless; without defects
Her impeccable taste in fashion was legendary.
not sensible or realistic; not adapted for actual use
Wearing high heels on a hiking trail is completely impractical.
to create or perform spontaneously without preparation
When the teleprompter failed, she had to improvise her speech.
lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient
The inadequate funding forced the program to shut down.
not having the necessary skills
The incompetent contractor caused numerous delays.
not producing the desired effect; unsuccessful
The medication proved ineffective against the new strain of virus.
not producing the intended result; lacking the ability to achieve goals
The ineffectual leadership led to the company's decline.
having or showing no skill; clumsy
The inept handling of the crisis worsened the situation.
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
No system is infallible, so we must prepare for potential errors.
lower in quality or status
The inferior product failed quality tests.
to create or design something that has not existed before
Thomas Edison helped invent the modern electric light bulb.
created or designed something new
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.
creating or designing something new
She spent years inventing a more efficient solar panel.
having the ability to create or design new things; showing creativity
The inventive engineer found solutions to complex problems.
able to be controlled, handled, or dealt with without great difficulty
Breaking the project into smaller tasks made it much more manageable.
comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or activity
His mastery of multiple languages opened many career opportunities.
to ascertain the size, amount, or degree of something using an instrument or standard
Scientists measure temperature changes to track global warming trends.
of only moderate quality; not very good
The mediocre performance disappointed the audience.
showing great attention to detail
The meticulous researcher checked every source.
best or most favorable
The scientist found the optimal conditions for the experiment.
to make the best or most effective use of something
Engineers worked to optimize the engine's fuel efficiency.
able to be stopped from happening
Many diseases are preventable through proper vaccination.
in its original condition; unspoiled
The pristine wilderness had never been explored.
competent or skilled in doing something
She is proficient in three programming languages.
competent or skilled at something
She became proficient in three languages.
fulfilling expectations or needs; acceptable but not outstanding
The student's performance was satisfactory but could be improved.
rough or irritating to the touch; making a harsh sound
The old wool sweater was too scratchy to wear comfortably.
having or showing the knowledge and ability to perform a task well
The company employs highly skilled engineers.
in an even and regular manner; without difficulties or problems
The transition to the new system went smoothly.
a level of quality or attainment; used or accepted as normal or average
The hotel offers a high standard of service.
in a strong and solid manner; robustly
The cabin was sturdily built to withstand harsh winters.
below the highest standard; not ideal
The suboptimal results prompted further testing.
right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation
This dress is suitable for a formal occasion.
existing or occurring at or on the surface; lacking depth of character or understanding
The article provided only a superficial analysis of the issue.
existing only on the surface; shallow
The report provided only a superficial analysis of the issue.
higher in quality or status
The superior craftsmanship justified the high price.
lacking originality; overused
The movie relied on trite plot devices.
able to be used for a practical purpose; helpful
The guidebook proved useful for navigating the unfamiliar city.
not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose; pointless
Without batteries, the flashlight was completely useless during the power outage.
capable of working successfully
The committee approved the viable proposal.
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.
Test Ninjas puts these words back where you will meet them — full-length adaptive practice tests, a complete Reading & Writing course, and an explanation on every question. Free account, no card.
