effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈe-fərt How to pronounce effort (audio)
-ˌfȯrt
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

Examples of effort in a Sentence

He put a lot of effort into finishing the project on time. It wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort. We need to expend more effort. The job will require a great deal of time and effort. Our success is due to the combined efforts of many people. Her efforts were rewarded with a new contract. He lost the campaign despite the best efforts of his supporters. Even though they didn't win, the team made a good effort. Her early efforts at writing a novel were awkward. Despite my best efforts, I never found out who she was.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fire suppression efforts involve five engines, one water tender, two dozers and one hand crew. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025 The Revolution provided a brief scare through a 59th-minute goal from Dor Turgeman, who embarrassed a defender before curling home a spectacular effort, but Inter Miami broke the tie almost immediately after the strike that made the score 2-1. Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025 There was a similar effort in the build-up to Bukayo Saka’s goal against Leeds United which, again, won’t count as an assist despite its importance. Art De Roché, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025 The executive also highlighted the Academy’s internationalization efforts. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effort

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of effort was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

effort

noun
ef·​fort ˈef-ərt How to pronounce effort (audio)
-ˌȯrt
1
: hard work of mind or body
requires time and effort
2
: a serious attempt : try
made a good effort
3
: something produced by work
this painting was one of my best efforts
4
: the force applied to a simple machine (as a lever) in contrast to the force applied by it against a load

More from Merriam-Webster on effort

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