effort

[ef-ert]

noun

1. exertion of physical or mental power.

   It will take great effort to achieve victory.

   Synonyms: striving, struggle

2. an earnest or strenuous attempt.

   an effort to keep to the schedule.

3. something done by exertion or hard work.

   I thought it would be easy, but it was an effort.

4. an achievement, as in literature or art.

   The painting is one of his finest efforts.

5. the amount of exertion expended for a specified purpose.

   the war effort.

6. Chiefly British.

   1. an organized community drive or achievement.

   2. a fund-raising drive.

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

effort

/ ˈɛfət /

noun

1. physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualified

   the rock was moved with effort

2. a determined attempt

   our effort to save him failed

3. achievement; creation

   a great literary effort

4. physics an applied force acting against inertia

effort

1. Force applied against inertia.

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

3. Compare load

Other Word Forms

• effortful adjective
• countereffort noun
• overeffort noun
• preeffort noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of effort¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of effort¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Despite the apparent efforts of House Republicans to replace him, a locally elected official, with a presidential appointee, on Wednesday the attorney general announced he would seek reelection in 2026.

From Salon

Yes, homemade recipes require more effort and time.

From Salon

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has also made rescue efforts more challenging, another aid group World Vision stated.

From BBC

“Despite our best efforts to find a sustainable path forward — including exploring every possible solution to address these challenges — we have made the very difficult decision to wind down the business.”

From Los Angeles Times

The effort needed to win points against Alcaraz - especially in a tight second set which you felt he needed to win to stand any chance of turning the match around - guzzled too much fuel.

From BBC

Related Words

• achievement 
• attempt 
• battle 
• creation 
• endeavor 
• exercise 
• force 
• industry 
• intention 
• power 
• production 
• push 
• resolution 
• struggle 
• training