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

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russia’s efforts to tighten its ties with U.S. adversaries China, North Korea and Iran to fortify Moscow’s defense industrial complex and get around U.S. and European sanctions. —Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024

Although the draft regulations call for doing so, several speakers complained that such mitigation efforts had not been reflected in recent premium increases. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Biden administration regulators have a number of high-profile cases winding through the courts that will test whether their efforts to toughen up scrutiny of M&A activity will run afoul of case law. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Apr. 2024

Her opponent argued that Lee’s criticism of Israel hurt Biden’s reelection efforts. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

Goldberg-Polin’s mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, was chosen as one of TIME’s most influential people in the world earlier this month for her advocacy efforts on behalf of hostages and their families. —Nik Popli, TIME, 24 Apr. 2024

In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections. —Joel Rose, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024

Recovery efforts underway at Oregon's Natural Bridges. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2024

Star knew her efforts were paying off during a moment when her son was throwing a tantrum. —Keyaira Boone, Essence, 24 Apr. 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