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

Someone must have forgotten to disconnect the screen after Spirit abruptly shut down on May 2nd, following the abandonment of a federal rescue effort. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026

On Wednesday, the girls play Lake Oconee Academy in Rome for the Class A Division II championship in an effort to defend their state championship and win a fifth title since 2019. —Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 10 May 2026

The group highlighted the swift and professional actions of the pilots and firefighter first responders, noting that their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading and ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

Additionally, applying pest control like diatomaceous earth can help with prevention efforts. —Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 10 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