endeavor

especially British, en·deav·our

[en-dev-er]

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.

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.

Other Word Forms

• endeavorer noun
• preendeavor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of endeavor¹

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

Synonym Study

See try. See effort.

Example Sentences

Moving out of the White House is a cumbersome endeavor for all presidents.

From Salon

“It gave me a lot of faith in the endeavor.”

From Los Angeles Times

Urban, who did not post an anniversary photo to his grid, has mainly used his Instagram to promote his recent musical endeavors.

From Los Angeles Times

Urban, who did not post an anniversary photo to the grid, has mainly used his Instagram to promote his musical endeavors in recent months.

From Los Angeles Times

With plans to launch tens of thousands more satellites, Starship is critical to that endeavor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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