Effort

/ˈɛfərt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A vigorous or determined attempt.
She put in a lot of effort to complete the project on time.
Physical or mental exertion.
It takes a great deal of effort to climb Mount Everest.
A purposeful activity; an enterprise.
The charity's effort to raise funds for the homeless was commendable.
An exertion of physical or mental energy.
With little effort, he managed to lift the heavy box.

Etymology

Middle French 'effort', from the Latin 'effor', meaning 'to exert oneself'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

give it your best effort
To try as hard as you can.
no effort spared
To do something with all possible means and resources.
make an effort
To try to do something.
effort pays off
Hard work leads to positive results.

Related Words

exertion
The physical or mental effort used to do something.
endeavor
An attempt to achieve a goal.
struggle
A forceful or violent effort.

Slang Meanings

Go the extra mile
He really goes the extra mile in his efforts to help others.
Put in work
You gotta put in work if you want to see results.