endeavor
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
-
to attempt; try.
He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.
-
Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.
noun
Synonym Usage
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of endeavor
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English endeveren, from the phrase putten in devoir “to make an effort, assume responsibility”; compare Anglo-French se mettre en deveir. See en- 1, devoir
Explanation
When you endeavor to do something, you try hard to make it happen. A determined student might endeavor to get straight As on her report card. "The ordinary objects of human endeavor — property, outward success, luxury — have always seemed to me contemptible," wrote Albert Einstein. Presumably, NASA had loftier objects in mind when they named one of their space shuttles Endeavour, using the British spelling. The word comes from the Old French phrase mettre en deveir, or "put in duty." As a verb, it's a more impressive word than try and suggests you're doing your darnedest to make something happen.
Vocabulary lists containing endeavor
The Declaration of Independence
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List 8
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In September 2023, entertainment giant Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, acquired WWE and merged the two sports entities to form a new, publicly traded company, TKO Group Holdings, in a deal worth $21.4 billion.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026
Beverly Hills agency UTA, former Endeavor Chairman Patrick Whitesell and private equity firms have expressed interest in Wasserman’s sports marketing and music representation agency.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
Suitors include the investment firms Permira, New Mountain Capital and TA Associates, United Talent Agency and former Endeavor chair Patrick Whitesell, according to people familiar with the matter.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
Wrestling is set to reach a wider audience in the next few years - the leadership team at WWE changed after the company was purchased by Endeavor in 2023.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
Endeavor always to write as correctly and properly as possible.
From The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in all his Relations Towards Society by Hartley, Cecil B.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
