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

“If anything he had some kind of remorse and was on his penance campaign. Part of resolving himself was helping with noble endeavors,” Tramo said.

From Los Angeles Times

That would be a high-risk, low-reward endeavor for retailers, in Morton’s view.

From MarketWatch

If AI models begin lapping humans in most endeavors, then where will we find purpose?

From The Wall Street Journal

Also, American officials weren’t sure if Danes would back the endeavor.

From Los Angeles Times

“I could teach you German,” I offered casually, while calculating the months this endeavor would take.

From Literature

Related Words

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