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
The team hopes that the discovery showing the ancient human connection to great bustards spurs more conservation efforts to keep this population from going extinct.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
Such efforts have already led to the restoration of funding in Republican districts following federal cuts that impacted farmers and rural areas.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The removals mark Trump's latest effort to fire officials at independent regulatory agencies.
—Pete Schroeder, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain should help minimize the impact from tariffs that only target China.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effort
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
Such efforts have already led to the restoration of funding in Republican districts following federal cuts that impacted farmers and rural areas.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The removals mark Trump's latest effort to fire officials at independent regulatory agencies.
—Pete Schroeder, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain should help minimize the impact from tariffs that only target China.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effort
Cite this Entry
“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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