best-efforts

adjective

best-ef·​forts
of security underwriting
: not involving a firm commitment on the part of an underwriter to take up any unsold shares or bonds of an issue being underwritten

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of best-efforts was in 1969

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near best-efforts

Cite this Entry

“Best-efforts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/best-efforts. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!