effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈe-fərt 

-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

Synonyms

• elbow grease
• exertion
• expenditure
• labor
• pains
• sweat
• trouble
• while
• work

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

The audacious effort to woo Moore is revealing of its plans for the role and its importance in the Mouse House’s ecosystem. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

The main opposition Democratic Party, which vowed to introduce impeachment bills against the president every week after the first effort failed due to the ruling party's boycott, filed a second motion on Thursday. —Se Eun Gong, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024

He is expected to issue a flurry of executive orders on immigration shortly after taking office, and has promised a huge mass deportation effort. —Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

James Blair will work as deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs, after spearheading Trump’s grassroots voter outreach efforts and making frequent media appearances. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing effort

• counter-effort
• make every effort
• spare no effort
• team effort
• war effort
• without effort

Kids Definition

effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈef-ərt 

-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