effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈe-fərt 

-ˌfȯrt

1

: conscious exertion of power : hard work

a job requiring time and effort

2

: a serious attempt : try

making an effort to reduce costs

3

: something produced by exertion or trying

the novel was her most ambitious effort

4

: effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force

5

: the total work done to achieve a particular end

the war effort

Synonyms of effort

• work
• exertion
• expenditure
• pains
• sweat

Examples of effort in a Sentence

He put a lot of effort into finishing the project on time.

It wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort.

We need to expend more effort.

The job will require a great deal of time and effort.

Our success is due to the combined efforts of many people.

Her efforts were rewarded with a new contract.

He lost the campaign despite the best efforts of his supporters.

Even though they didn't win, the team made a good effort.

Her early efforts at writing a novel were awkward.

Despite my best efforts, I never found out who she was.

Recent Examples on the Web

The staff are attentive and put in a lot of effort, ready to share tips and favourite restaurants, and really go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant and memorable. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

In July, new tariffs were applied to all EU steel imports in an effort to protect the continent’s industry from cheaper foreign competition. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026

Meta recently updated its standards for training, evaluating and releasing its most capable AI models, and spokesman Andy Stone pointed to the company’s efforts to refine its board of directors’ governance structure. — Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

There are concerted efforts to ban such devices, but they are still used with depressing frequency. — New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old French esforz, esfort, from esforcier to force, from ex- + forcier to force

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing effort

• counter-effort
• make every effort
• spare no effort
• team effort
• war effort
• without effort

Rhymes for effort

• lefort
• roquefort

Kids Definition

effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈef-ərt 

-ˌȯrt

1

: hard work of mind or body

requires time and effort

2

: a serious attempt : try

made a good effort

3

: something produced by work

this painting was one of my best efforts

4

: the force applied to a simple machine (as a lever) in contrast to the force applied by it against a load