Definition of effort
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
From the M-W Editors
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 of effort from the Web
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The retreat of the U.S. actually gives China more opportunity to lead these global efforts.
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This effort was part of a wider public-bath movement, which targeted the lack of bathing facilities in the slums of growing industrial cities like Baltimore and Chicago.
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His best game was a 22-point, 18-rebound effort in a Jan. 3 loss to the Suns.
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The brand has made efforts to distance itself from its namesake—cutting her image out of promotional materials, for instance—but shoppers can’t ignore the name, especially now.
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The exit of the world’s largest economy and second-largest greenhouse gas polluter from the Paris accord would profoundly weaken the landmark effort to curb climate change.
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The discussion of a secret channel adds to a broader pattern of efforts by Trump's closest advisors to obscure their contacts with Russian counterparts.
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Efforts to avoid the three-fourths majority vote requirement also are behind the decision to turn to a 1.25 percent state sales tax on motor vehicle sales.
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See More Medina went the distance in a seven-inning, 95-pitch effort that yielded just four hits.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effort'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of effort
Middle French, from Old French esforz, esfort, from esforcier to force, from ex- + forcier to force
First Known Use: 15th century
EFFORT Defined for English Language Learners
effort
playDefinition of effort for English Language Learners
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: work done by the mind or body : energy used to do something
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: a serious attempt to do something
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: something produced by work
EFFORT Defined for Kids
Learn More about effort
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See words that rhyme with effort Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for effort Spanish Central: Translation of effort Nglish: Translation of effort for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of effort for Arabic speakers
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