en·deav·or
in-ˈde-vər 
endeavored; endeavoring
in-ˈde-v(ə-)riŋ
1
: to attempt (something, such as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort
endeavors to finish the race
2
archaic
: to strive to achieve or reach
: to work with set purpose
1
: serious determined effort
2
: activity directed toward a goal : enterprise
fields of endeavor
Examples of endeavor in a Sentence
Verb
As urbanization advanced, it swept away the distinctive physical and social characteristics of the culture of the past, substituting undifferentiated built environments and standardized patterns of dress and behavior. Hand-camera users endeavored to reaffirm individuality and arrest time in the face of the encroaching depersonalization of existence.
—
Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
At some time in their careers, most good historians itch to write a history of the world, endeavor to discover what makes humanity the most destructive and creative of species.
—Paul Johnson, New York Times Book Review, 7 Apr. 1985
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.
They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.
Noun
Sgt. Pepper was our grandest endeavor.
—Ringo Starr, in The Beatles Anthology, 2000
Science has traditionally accepted the smartest students, the most committed and self-sacrificing researchers, and the cleanest money—that is, money with the fewest political strings attached. In both theory and practice, science in this century has been perceived as a noble endeavor.
—Science, 13 Feb. 1998
The miraculous thing I have to report, a secret so precious I hesitate to share it, is how docilely and utterly the critic in one goes to sleep when a creative endeavor is afoot.
—John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 21 June 1987
His endeavors have gone unrewarded.
She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
Technology is the fastest-changing area of human endeavor.
Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
At some time in their careers, most good historians itch to write a history of the world, endeavor to discover what makes humanity the most destructive and creative of species.
—Paul Johnson, New York Times Book Review, 7 Apr. 1985
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.
They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.
Noun
Sgt. Pepper was our grandest endeavor.
—Ringo Starr, in The Beatles Anthology, 2000
Science has traditionally accepted the smartest students, the most committed and self-sacrificing researchers, and the cleanest money—that is, money with the fewest political strings attached. In both theory and practice, science in this century has been perceived as a noble endeavor.
—Science, 13 Feb. 1998
The miraculous thing I have to report, a secret so precious I hesitate to share it, is how docilely and utterly the critic in one goes to sleep when a creative endeavor is afoot.
—John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 21 June 1987
His endeavors have gone unrewarded.
She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
Technology is the fastest-changing area of human endeavor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025
Responding to the Punchbowl article, Leavitt said consumers should endeavor to buy products made in the U.S.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
But Operative leadership aims to approach this endeavor in partnership with creatives and talent, not in lieu of them.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for endeavor
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Verb
Five years ago, the Idaho Legislature endeavored to entice data centers and the big investments that come with them by enacting a sales-tax exemption on construction materials and server equipment.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025
Responding to the Punchbowl article, Leavitt said consumers should endeavor to buy products made in the U.S.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
Wall Street may be past the worst of the tariff headlines two weeks after the initial April 2 announcement — as President Donald Trump endeavors to accomplish enormous trade deals during his 90-day pause — but volatility will continue to be a mainstay of the stock market for the foreseeable future.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
But Operative leadership aims to approach this endeavor in partnership with creatives and talent, not in lieu of them.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for endeavor
Cite this Entry
“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endeavor. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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