effort

noun

ef·fort | \ ˈe-fərt

, -ˌfȯrt\

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about effort

Keep scrolling for more

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

Despite her valiant efforts to try and recapture the true meaning of Mother's Day, the day was completely transformed from giving back to charity to giving gifts. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "When Is Mother's Day? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Holiday," 7 Feb. 2019 Make an effort to reassure yourself that your journal is a judgment-free zone. — Sophie Gray, SELF, "Journaling Helped Me Rebuild My Life—Here’s How to Start a Practice That Can Help You," 11 Jan. 2019 Volkswagen also made a solid effort with the Atlas, a new three-row SUV that won’t break the bank. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "The 2018 Cars Technica cars and SUVs of the year," 30 Dec. 2018 In recent years, the NYPD has made efforts to modernize. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "New York City cops will fly a drone over the New Year’s Eve celebration at Times Square," 30 Dec. 2018 The Ross spokesperson, who did not want to be named, said that the company is aware of concerns the Denver employee, Antoinette, raised about her hair, and is making an effort to address them. — Nadra Nittle, Vox, "Bantu knots are the latest natural hairstyle at the center of a workplace dispute," 20 Dec. 2018 In 2017, Microsoft developed a version of Windows 10 that was customized for Chinese government use in an effort to improve the company’s access to China’s state sector. — Yoko Kubota, WSJ, "Microsoft’s Bing Search-Engine Service Interrupted in China," 24 Jan. 2019 In an effort to stop Alex's slow suffering, Roger throws what appears to be oil on the fire and creates a mini-explosion that speeds up his death. — Mehera Bonner, Harper's BAZAAR, "Roger Finally Redeemed Himself on Outlander," 21 Jan. 2019 Such a simple thing brought us closer, allowing my daughter and I to share in her tireless efforts to feed her family. — Miriam Foley, Good Housekeeping, "I Didn't Appreciate My Mother-in-Law Until I Had a Daughter," 17 Jan. 2019

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.