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 of effort

• work
• exertion
• expenditure
• pains
• sweat

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

Before getting to address eager investors, Musk had to testify to a jury in downtown Oakland in an effort to prove his case and, if successful, potentially throw a major wrench into OpenAI's ambitious plans. —Ashley Capoot,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 18 May 2026

Eco effort Estelle’s credentials appear to be in the minutiae. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026

The event brought together pastors, fathers, mentors, activists, business leaders, former gang members and residents from across Chicago in what organizers described as a unified effort to promote safety, accountability and opportunity on the South Side. —Greg Wehner , Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026

Not only have books been pulled from shelves as a result of these efforts, but writers and publishers have found themselves in prison. —Literary Hub, 18 May 2026

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