effort

noun

ef·​fort ˈe-fərt How to pronounce effort (audio)
-ˌfȯrt
Synonyms of effort
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Almeida said Election Day confusion is possible in some precincts but the nature of the threat requires a collective effort. — Steve Peoples, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 Nevertheless, the initial attempt marked the beginning of a longer effort to develop a motorcycle configuration capable of traveling across water. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department expects to send about 1,000 monitors in its largest-ever effort, while the Republican National Committee is recruiting poll watchers and workers across competitive states. — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Anthropic's Claude model and services have captivated the corporate world, as companies have opened their wallets in an effort to crack new growth opportunities and find internal efficiencies. — Ashley Capoot,jordan Novet,annie Palmer,lora Kolodny,kai Nicol-Schwarz,caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for effort

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of effort was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing effort

Rhymes for effort

See All Rhymes for effort

Browse Nearby Words

efform
effort
effortful
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Cite this Entry

“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

effort

noun
ef·​fort ˈef-ərt How to pronounce effort (audio)
-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
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