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
Their philanthropic efforts have supported a wide range of causes, including arts, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
—
Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Federal investigation reveals wide criminal net Browse the website of Chen’s Prince Group, and the company’s public image is one of charitable endeavors, business accolades and awards for corporate social responsibility initiatives, large donations to anti-Covid efforts, and education programs.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
More than 600 Middlebury students had also joined an online group to share updates of the extensive effort to find Smith, WPTZ reported.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Graham said the relief effort comes amid continuing instability.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effort
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Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Federal investigation reveals wide criminal net Browse the website of Chen’s Prince Group, and the company’s public image is one of charitable endeavors, business accolades and awards for corporate social responsibility initiatives, large donations to anti-Covid efforts, and education programs.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
More than 600 Middlebury students had also joined an online group to share updates of the extensive effort to find Smith, WPTZ reported.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
In an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, Graham said the relief effort comes amid continuing instability.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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