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
Despite spectacular regular-season efforts, Michigan State and Kentucky missed the Elite Eight in 2024, ending their seasons in the Regional Finals.
—
Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Since January, the Trump administration has sought to cut back on research funding as part of its efforts to cut government spending, which has left many scientists scrambling to figure out how to continue their work.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Pediatricians and other doctors interviewed over the past week voiced deep concern that the grant cuts are hitting vaccine education efforts at an especially critical moment.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for effort
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Since January, the Trump administration has sought to cut back on research funding as part of its efforts to cut government spending, which has left many scientists scrambling to figure out how to continue their work.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Pediatricians and other doctors interviewed over the past week voiced deep concern that the grant cuts are hitting vaccine education efforts at an especially critical moment.
—Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 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 13 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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