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
This transformation requires a conscious effort to rethink decision-making, leadership development and financial strategy.
—
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
And yet, from the ACLU to the Washington Post and the New York Times, the institutional guardians of the Left made a concerted effort to cede those causes to the mosh posh of crunchy anti-war peaceniks, classical conservatives, frat bros, and ordinary Americans who make up MAGA.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
The shift marks a continued effort by USPS to cut costs without significantly disrupting mail delivery for most Americans.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
This boycott arrives amid a national conversation about diversity initiatives, with several major companies scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effort
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Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
And yet, from the ACLU to the Washington Post and the New York Times, the institutional guardians of the Left made a concerted effort to cede those causes to the mosh posh of crunchy anti-war peaceniks, classical conservatives, frat bros, and ordinary Americans who make up MAGA.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
The shift marks a continued effort by USPS to cut costs without significantly disrupting mail delivery for most Americans.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
This boycott arrives amid a national conversation about diversity initiatives, with several major companies scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 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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