effort

noun

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

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.
Seeing them at all used to be very rare, but sightings are increasing as their numbers grow thanks to conservation efforts. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025 President Trump’s 2026 budget would freeze spending for many services for older adults, deeply cut others, continue his efforts to slash government staffing for key programs, and abolish a critical federal office that manages many of those initiatives. Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Revenue from the Tourist Development Tax, a 6% levy on hotel and other overnight stays, currently is directed by statute to tourism-marketing efforts, the convention center and sports and cultural uses. Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025 The company-wide effort was announced on ABC’s Good Morning America Wednesday. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on effort

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