endeavor

American  

[en-dev-er] / ɛnˈdɛv ər /

especially British, endeavour

verb (used without object)

1. to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive.

   We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.

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verb (used with object)

1. to attempt; try.

   He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.

2. Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.

noun

1. a strenuous effort; attempt.

Related Words

See try. See effort.

Other Word Forms

• endeavorer noun
• preendeavor noun

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

Example Sentences

So far, the endeavor has been a big money loser — but Intel is working to improve its technology and capitalize on the U.S. government’s desire for American chip manufacturing to become relevant once again.

From MarketWatch

Entering the job market can be a stressful endeavor for new graduates and for a fresh generation of students behind them who are preparing to start their college journeys.

From Los Angeles Times

He asked his financial adviser to help him structure the endeavor in a tax-efficient way.

From The Wall Street Journal

It rounds out the gift, soothes the persistent is this enough? anxiety, and keeps the whole endeavor feeling generous without becoming complicated.

From Salon

Because, while the balance isn’t always perfect, I will always endeavor to answer letters from people who are living paycheck to paycheck or Social Security check to Social Security check.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• aim
• effort
• enterprise
• struggle
• undertaking
• venture