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

Trump has argued otherwise saying in his order that rather than fostering unity, ''the widespread effort to rewrite history deepens societal divides and fosters a sense of national shame, disregarding the progress America has made. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Washington — The Supreme Court on Wednesday is set to hear arguments in a high-profile dispute over efforts in Oklahoma to create an online Catholic charter school, a case that could open the door to public dollars flowing directly to religious schools. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2025

In 2021, Sayegh was given a Class B award for her valiant efforts during a house fire, according to the Toms River Police Department. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Since then, the search efforts have continued, but the family is also encouraging the public to help by walking along the beaches -- specifically areas between Long Beach, Lido Beach and Jacob Riis Park — during high tide. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for effort

• lefort
• roquefort

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