Main Entry:

ef·fort

Pronunciation:

\ˈe-fərt, -ˌfȯrt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle French, from Old French esforz, esfort, from esforcier to force, from ex- + forcier to force

Date:

15th century

1 : conscious exertion of power : hard work <a job requiring time and effort> 2 : a serious attempt : try <making an effort to reduce costs> 3 : something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort> 4 : effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force 5 : the total work done to achieve a particular end <the war effort>