effort

[ ef-ert ]

/ ˈɛf ərt /

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See synonyms for: effort / efforts on Thesaurus.com

noun

exertion of physical or mental power: It will take great effort to achieve victory.

an earnest or strenuous attempt: an effort to keep to the schedule.

something done by exertion or hard work: I thought it would be easy, but it was an effort.

an achievement, as in literature or art: The painting is one of his finest efforts.

the amount of exertion expended for a specified purpose: the war effort.

Chiefly British.

an organized community drive or achievement.
a fund-raising drive.

Mechanics. the force or energy that is applied to a machine for the accomplishment of useful work.

OTHER WORDS FOR effort

1 struggle, striving.

See synonyms for effort on Thesaurus.com

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of effort

First recorded in 1480–90; from Middle French, from Old French esfort, esforz, derivative of esforcier “to force” (es- ex-¹ + forcier force)

synonym study for effort

1. Effort, application, endeavor, exertion imply actions directed or force expended toward a definite end. Effort is an expenditure of energy to accomplish some objective: He made an effort to control himself. Application is continuous effort plus careful attention: constant application to duties. Endeavor means a continued and sustained series of efforts to achieve some, often worthy and difficult, end: a constant endeavor to be useful. Exertion is the vigorous and often strenuous expenditure of energy, frequently without an end: out of breath from exertion.

OTHER WORDS FROM effort

coun·ter·ef·fort, nouno·ver·ef·fort, nounpre·ef·fort, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use effort in a sentence

But Republican and Democratic parties have made efforts to reverse that trend.
Asian-Americans Are The New Florida|Tim Mak|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Ultimately, Gow says, the brothers failed in their efforts to recreate the Auroch.
‘Nazi Cows’ Tried to Kill British Farmer|Tom Sykes|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And who can blame them for feeling disenfranchised when they see their efforts dwarfed by the mega donors.
The 100 Rich People Who Run America|Mark McKinnon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Despite his efforts to live in the present, he seemed haunted by the specter of his father.
The Story Behind Lee Marvin’s Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Even in the parts of the movement he does cover, some people and efforts are missing.
The Real Story Behind the Fight for Marriage Equality|E.J. Graff|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You need but will, and it is done; but if you relax your efforts, you will be ruined; for ruin and recovery are both from within.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
The friars were exceedingly wroth, and combined to defeat the Generalʼs efforts to come to an understanding with the rebels.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Greenlaw (Charles P.), his efforts in obtaining steam for India, 560.
Notes and Queries, Index to Eighth Volume, July-December 1853|Various
The machine penetrated everywhere, thrusting aside with its gigantic arm the feeble efforts of handicraft.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
It was a very dangerous one, too, and sometimes lives were sacrificed in his efforts to capture or to kill this fierce wild beast.
Our Little Korean Cousin|H. Lee M. Pike

British Dictionary definitions for effort

effort

/ (ˈɛfət) /

noun

physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualifiedthe rock was moved with effort

a determined attemptour effort to save him failed

achievement; creationa great literary effort

physics an applied force acting against inertia

Derived forms of effort

effortful, adjective

Word Origin for effort

C15: from Old French esfort, from esforcier to force, ultimately from Latin fortis strong; see force 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for effort

effort

[ ĕf′ərt ]

Force applied against inertia.

The force needed by a machine in order to accomplish work on a load. Compare load.

Other Idioms and Phrases with effort

effort

see all out (effort); last-ditch effort.

effort

OTHER WORDS FOR effort

Origin of effort

synonym study for effort

OTHER WORDS FROM effort

Words related to effort

How to use effort in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for effort

Derived forms of effort

Word Origin for effort

Scientific definitions for effort

Other Idioms and Phrases with effort